After an impressive come-from-behind victory on the road in the season opener, there's newfound optimism that the Philadelphia 76ers can compete this year in a decimated Eastern Conference. It's unlikely there's a path to postseason prominence with this current roster, given its endless injury concerns.
From Jared McCain and Paul George already on the shelf to Joel Embiid's horrific track record, general manager Elton Brand has to inject this squad with some reliable options. Although a drastic swing for another star is unlikely, could a former championship wing help provide an immediate solution to the lack of depth?
In a recent piece, Bleacher Report analyst Greg Swartz proposed the 76ers targeting San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes. "Ignoring the Joel Embiid impending disaster for a moment, the Philadelphia 76ers still need a power forward who can space the floor for the young guards on this roster," Swartz wrote. "No team needs durable players more than Philly, and Barnes has played in all 82 games in each of the past three seasons. He's exactly what the Sixers need."
Barnes would be a fine spot-up shooter this club could benefit from on offense, but on the other end, he would be a liability. Given their age and tenure in the league, neither Barnes nor George has the footspeed or physicality at this point in their career to guard opposing wings at a reasonable level.
The 76ers would benefit from honing in on a younger alternative with more defensive prowess to fill their hole at the four. Tari Eason and Haywood Highsmith are names that come to mind who are cheap cap hits with tangible upside.