The Philadelphia 76ers have been consistently linked to a variety of names in the rumor mill this holiday season. But which types of players should the Sixers have on their holiday wishlist?
Backup ball-handler
The need for a backup ballhandler is clear and evident for the Sixers. While the situation has been a bit improved since the acquisition of Nico Batum, a true point guard off the pine would go a long way for Philadelphia.
While the Sixers’ offense this season has been far more free-flowing, somewhat lessening the immediate need for a bench facilitator against stiffer competition, that need has reared its ugly head multiple this young season already.
The need for a player who can facilitate the offense without Tyrese Maxey or even Joel Embiid will only increase between now and the postseason. With multiple names available, and likely at available prices, the Sixers should certainly consider their guard depth this holiday season, especially ahead of the trade deadline.
Potential fits: Tyus Jones, Killian Hayes
Perimeter stopper
While the Sixers currently rank second in the league in defensive rating, much of that work is off of their recent seven-game set where they effectively toured the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Joel Embiid has led the way defensively, re-establishing himself as a premier paint protector, and several role players have helped facilitate a rather impressive team effort against opposing offenses. Players like Kelly Oubre, Nico Batum, Robert Covington, Patrick Beverley, and De’Anthony Melton have all played a role in this, but the Sixers still clearly lack that lock-down perimeter defender that so many teams pine after.
To call it a need would be a bit extreme, but a perimeter stopper should be an aggressive want this season for the Sixers, and two such players happen to be available.
Potential fits: Alex Caruso, OG Anunoby
Offensive safety valve
The Sixers’ star tandem of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have proven time and time again to be offensively dominant. Even still, Philadelphia’s best cannot win every game on their own.
When all the wheels are working as they should, the Sixers are elite offensively, top of the league even. But on the days when they are less than their typical well-oiled machine, there is some clear concern. This was shown as recently as Dec. 18, when the team fell flat against the Chicago Bulls.
Tobias Harris has not been comfortably consistent, and the Sixers’ next top offensive options, Kelly Oubre and De’Anthony Melton, have proven to be hot and cold historically as well.
While it may seem selfish for the NBA’s top offense to still seek more production on that end, the Sixers could certainly use a boost of consistent offensive firepower after Embiid and Maxey, especially come playoff time.
Potential fits: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Bojan Bogdanovic
