The Philadelphia 76ers have been active to begin the summer. However, it’s the draft-day addition of VJ Edgecombe that will have the fan base most excited.
However, Daryl Morey has done a solid job of finding cost-controlled talent to add depth to the current roster. When speaking to Keith Smith of Spotrac, a member of the Sixers coaching staff praised the moves the front office has made to begin the offseason.
“Because of our position with the aprons and Quentin (Grimes) as a free agent, we had to be work around the edges,” The anonymous coach told Smith. “We feel like we got great value in the draft and free agency. V.J. (Edgecombe) and Johni (Broome) were the best guys on our board when they got picked. Getting guys like Trendon (Watford), Jabari (Walker), Dominick (Barlow) and Hunter (Sallis) without having big money to throw around, that’s adding championship-level depth.”
When looking at Philadelphia’s roster last season, it’s clear Nick Nurse had to lead a top-heavy rotation. The hope is likely that the Sixers are a deeper team in the upcoming season, allowing them to navigate injury issues more easily.
Morey Wanted Sixers to be More Athletic
During a recent media availability, Morey explained how the Sixers’ rotation has become younger and more athletic heading into the new season.
“I think we went in with a big goal of being younger and more athletic among the group that we think will likely be on the floor,” Morey said, per the Philly Voice. “I feel we’ve done that…I think around Joel and Paul, I think pretty much every likely rotation player is 27, 28 or younger. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to that, and optimistic on where things are at with Joel. So, yeah, looking forward to next season.”
The NBA is a copycat league. Morey may be looking at how the Indiana Pacers approached their run to the NBA Finals, and wondering how he can add some of the pace and explosiveness to Philadelphia’s roster. Of course, without Joel Embiid and Paul George at full health, the franchise will struggle to contend.
Sixers Have no Timeline for Embiid Recovery
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Dotun Akintoye, Embiid revealed that he currently doesn’t have a timeline for returning to on-court activities.
“We don’t have a timeline,” Embiid told Akintoye. “Hopefully, sooner rather than later…I don’t know how they (the Sixers) feel. The only thing I’d say is — this is a business. It’s all about the results…If I come back early enough and I’m still not myself, guess what? You’re not winning any games.”
Embiid has struggled with injuries for the past two seasons. Without him in the rotation, the Sixers can’t be considered contenders. Therefore, there should be some urgency for him to begin conditioning. As another drawback for Embiid, has been how easily he gasses out during the playoffs.
The Sixers have a lot of questions that need answering. Unfortunately, until Embiid and George are back on the floor, those answers can’t be found. Perhaps that’s why, right now, Philadelphia isn’t being discussed as a contender. There are too many variables to work through.
Morey, however, will likely be hoping the Sixers can prove their doubters wrong. After all, the alternative would be a full roster rebuild.
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