The Philadelphia 76ers were quite active at the NBA Trade Deadline, acquiring Buddy Hield and trading away both Patrick Beverley and Jaden Springer. After all was said and done, the Sixers ended up with 3 open roster spots in addition to their new players and picks.
With those spots, the Sixers appear to be shifting their main focus onto the buyout market, specifically on Kyle Lowry, who was recently bought out by the Charlotte Hornets. Lowry, who is a Philadelphia native, is reportedly set to sign with his hometown team after much speculation.
At this point in Lowry’s career, the multi-time All-Star is a backup point guard looking to catch on with a contender. He was shipped to the Charlotte Hornets in the Terry Rozier trade with the expectation of a buyout eventually coming.
In 37 games with the Heat this season, Lowry has averaged 8.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. His defensive statistics per 36 minutes are also serviceable, averaging 2.4 deflections and 1.4 steals per game. After sending Pat Bev to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Sixers are now desperate for his defensive production. Even with newcomer Cam Payne to the lineup, Lowry’s playmaking and defensive instincts are necessary for the Sixers should they want to be competitive without Joel Embiid.
Lowry may not be the prized former All-Star he used to be or that Sixers fans wanted to get at the deadline, but he will still provide a contending team with leadership, defense, and playmaking for a playoff push. Hopefully, Lowry is able to show off what he has left in the tank.
Set to turn 38 in March; Lowry is still a serviceable guard who can make an impact on a playoff team. Just last year, he appeared in 23 playoff games, playing 26.0 minutes per night on a Miami Heat team that made the NBA Finals. The Sixers made it a clear priority to scoop up a player of his caliber and experience. Now it’s time to see if it pays off.
