The Value Players For The Sixers
Austin Rivers
It should come as no surprise that Doc Rivers’ own son, Austin, is on this list. The father and son were together for over three years in LA and Austin saw some of the best years of his career under his father.
Now, there were concerns of nepotism (not too different than complaints against Rivers this past season) but those concerns could be outweighed by two things: First, Doc Rivers’ desire to reunite with his son. Second, if the Sixers can add Austin on the cheap, it’s an idea absolutely worth considering.
Mind you when I say cheap, I mean cheap. I would consider Austin Rivers for little more than the vet minimum which for Austin, that would mean $2.3 million.
JaMychal Green
One of the underestimated needs for the Sixers is that of a backup Power Forward. Last season showed that Mike Scott just won’t cut it anymore and the cavalcade of starters taking turns playing Power Forward is far from ideal.
Green is a unique combination of shooting and rebounding, two things that the Sixers lack. He has a player option for roughly $5 million, something that would be tough to pass up on considering the uncertainty that surrounds the NBA salary cap situation.
If he does decide to test the open market though, the Sixers should absolutely do their due diligence. He would be a clear upgrade over Scott and could help solidify the bench.
Patrick Patterson
Think of Patrick Patterson as a diet JaMychal Green, or even a well-rounded Mike Scott. Patterson is truly a 3/D Power Forward, one that can even play some minutes at Center.
He’s not someone who will play 20+ minutes a game but he will provide some time on the court, experience, and leadership to a team sorely in need.
Patterson is a strict vet minimum candidate. He’s not worth much more and likely won’t be seeking more. He’s not the sexiest of moves but he would be a quality addition.
Maurice Harkless
Many fans may not remember but Maurice “Moe” Harkless was actually drafted by the Sixers. Before he could play a single game though, he was traded in the infamous Andrew Bynum trade. In the time since, Harkless has grown into a quality role-player, one who could now return to where it all began.
He doesn’t provide much in the way of shooting, or offense in general, but Harkless is a talented and versatile defender. His length and athleticism help him guard most, if not all, positions. During his time with the Clippers, Harkless boasted 1.7 defensive Win Shares and DBPM (Defensive Box Plus/Minus) of 2.4.
Again, adding Harkless wouldn’t set the press on fire, but he knows his role and would make a great addition to a Sixers team that needs as many athletic defenders as they can get.
Is It A Good Idea?
The Sixers have a lot of work to do this offseason and while Doc Rivers may not be in charge of personnel decisions, his opinion will still matter.
While to search should certainly not be limited to players who have played for Doc before, many would make quality additions to the Sixers.
From stars who have fallen out of favor to vets who will round out the roster, Doc Rivers may have some players he wants to bring back, and that’s more than okay.
Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
