A season that started with championship aspirations has turned into a nightmare. At 21-41 and tied for the sixth-worst record in the league, the Sixers must now try to tank to salvage their first-round pick.
The team hasn’t necessarily signified that they will officially tank, but with Joel Embiid ruled out for the season and Paul George seemingly next up to be shut down, all signs point to a tank. With such a disappointing season, for multiple reasons, who will still be on the roster after this season is done?
Take a look at who may or not be on the roster next season, categorized in different tiers:
Tier 1: Well, just look at the contract
Joel Embiid and Paul George are both expected to be on the roster next season, regardless of where the Sixers finish in the standing. Both players have missed a ton of games due to various injuries and never got a groove playing with each other or in their “big three” with Tyrese Maxey.
Their contracts and injury history make it hard to even consider trading them, with their value probably at its lowest. Running them back and praying for health is the best action the team could take with both of these players.
Tier 2: Young, Really Good, and Reliable
Tyrese Maxey is in the first year of his $200 million extension, which he earned and was given last offseason. Although Maxey had some rough stretches this season, dealing with his co-stars’ inconsistency and having a hard time losing, he was one of the most reliable Sixers. He made a major improvement as a team leader, even calling Joel Embiid out in a team meeting that was leaked to the public.
Maxey is seventh in the league in scoring, averaging 26.3 points per game. He has improved his overall defense, helping him rank sixth in steals at just under two per game. He has logged a lot of minutes and played through some nagging injuries with little to no excuses. His growth as a player is why the Sixers see him as a long-term part of their future.
Tier 3: Re-sign at all costs
Guerschon Yabusele and newly acquired Quentin Grimes should both be priorities for the Sixers to resign this offseason. Yabusele, who was signed late in the offseason, turned out to be one of the most versatile players the Sixers have on the roster. His ability to play both the power forward spot and small ball center has allowed the Sixers to play multiple ways. His play has definitely earned him another contract in the NBA, and an on-court fit with Tyrese Maxey could be something the team leans into for the next couple of seasons.
Grimes came over just before the NBA trade deadline from Dallas in exchange for Caleb Martin, who was injured just as much as some of the Sixers’ stars. Since taking a little bit of time to get used to playing in Philly, Grimes has really shown his two-way ability. His perimeter defense has stood out, navigating screens and generating deflections.
His on-ball scoring is also surprising, showcasing an array of moves. In the last week, he has had two 30-point scoring nights and a career-high 44-point night. He has been really good in the pick-and-roll and has been a quick-trigger shooter, something this team needs when Tyrese Maxey is on and off the court.
Tier 4: Young Steph Curry, maybe?
Jared McCain had a cakewalk to Rookie of the Year honors until he went out with a knee injury of his own. He tore his meniscus and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. He showed so many signs of being able to be a contributor this season and in the future.
Although he and Maxey were a small backcourt, they worked well with each other and showed they could carry the team offensively. McCain’s movement shooting will be a major weapon for this team going forward, and he has the potential to be a potent shooter in his career.
Tier 5: Mutual Interest
Kelly Oubre Jr. has a player option worth $8.3 million dollars next season and will more than likely accept it unless there is a big payday out there for him. In his two years in Philadelphia, Oubre Jr. has been one of the most consistent and hardest-playing members of the team.
He does have his flaws, but he fits on this team that needs an aggressive wing slasher. He has said many times that he has found a home in Philly and could stick around.
Tier 6: Hoping they decline their options
Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond have player options for next season, and the Sixers may be hoping that a tank year will encourage them to opt-out.
Both have been plagued with injuries (see the common theme) and had their ups and downs on the court. Gordon seemed to have caught fire right before his last injury, and Drummond may have had only a few good appearances this season.
Tier 7: Potential future contributors
Adem Bona and Justin Edwards have both shown flashes of potential when given extended minutes. Edwards has gotten a chance to start and has held his own on both sides of the court. His play was rewarded when his two-way contract to a standard NBA contract. He has shown the potential to be a three-and-D type player as his career progresses.
Bona wasn’t expected to play extended minutes this season but was thrust into the fire with all of the injuries. His athleticism and hustle were on display, and if he improves in the offseason, he could end up beating Drummond out for the backup role if he opts in.
Tier 8: Say your goodbyes
Ricky Council IV, Lonnie Walker IV, and Jared Butler will all be in other uniforms next season. Council got the majority of the opportunities between the three and had some good moments. Council also had some tough moments on the court and the coaching staff just doesn’t seem to trust him enough.
Walker and Butler were both late-season additions and will probably play more as the season closes. Minutes will likely open up once players start sitting. They haven’t done much in their opportunities so far, and I expect the Sixers to part ways with them after this tank is over.
Bonus Tier: Pick up a whiteboard
Kyle Lowry hasn’t officially confirmed his retirement after the season, but it is all but confirmed. He has been injured as well, and when he played, he wasn’t a contributor.
You could count on him to draw a charge or two, but that was it. He looks like a coach in waiting and could end up on Nick Nurse’s staff next season. Lowry has had a great NBA career, and his next step will be the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
