Joel Embiid
Getty
Sixers star Joel Embiid is averaging 27+ points since Christmas
The Philadelphia 76ers have shown enough positive signs to give fans hope for an eventful postseason this year. Joel Embiid’s missed games and Paul George’s suspension could have easily harmed the team’s playoff chances, but stronger depth has improved the team makeup. Tyrese Maxey playing All-NBA basketball and rookie VJ Edgecombe looking like a future star has made them a viable East threat.
However, more talent might be needed via the buyout market to win series over better teams. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the 76ers are looking at multiple names as viable assets who can boost their team. Current free agents Lonzo Ball, Chris Boucher and Haywood Highsmith are three options to improve the team’s bench. All three can easily be signed without having to wait for things outside of their control to take place.
Khris Middleton is the fourth name on the desired list of potential additions, but he’s yet to be waived. The Dallas Mavericks acquired Middleton in the Anthony Davis trade, and they must waive him for other teams to have a chance. It is currently unknown if Dallas plans to keep Middleton for locker room leadership or if they’ll let him out of his deal to join a playoff team.
Why Sixers Want New Players
The trade deadline was quite surprising for Philadelphia after they lost more talent than they received. 76ers General Manager Daryl Morey made bold comments about “selling high” on Jared McCain after trading the second-year prospect to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a late first round draft pick.
Veteran guard Eric Gordon was also traded away to see two players leaving in exchange for draft picks. Philadelphia currently has role players Charles Bassey and Patrick Baldwin Jr. each signed to ten-day contracts without any guarantees beyond that time frame. The trades were made to save money and open these two roster spots.
One or two of the rumored names joining the 76ers via a buyout would fill those two spots to replace the players on ten-day contracts. Philadelphia hopes this risk of losing talent and taking the risk on improving via the buyout market will help their playoff chances.
Can This Help Philly’s Playoff Ceiling?
The Eastern Conference being weaker this season makes it a realistic goal for any good teams to contend. Philadelphia is clearly behind teams like the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics right now. Even the Cleveland Cavaliers have joined the upper echelon after acquiring James Harden.
However, none of those teams feel like dominant threats compared to the Western Conference’s top squads. Philadelphia has more than enough talent to put up a fight in a playoff series against anyone, but they need health on their side.
Embiid and George must play at a high level with the young stars and strong depth helping them. One or two of these buyout names would join the 76ers rotation and ensure they have a fighting chance in any game. Philadelphia can’t waste this season and must be active on the buyout market.