The Philadelphia 76ers are in prime position to make a big turn around next season. With the addition of the third overall selection in the upcoming draft, the 76ers are projected to boast a strong core of young talented players with Joel Embiid joining the team off the injury list and Nerlens Noel with a full season under his belt.
Still, every talented, young team needs the presence of a veteran or two to provide the kind of guidance and perspective needed to smooth the transition for the younger guys, regardless of whether they are the face of the franchise or not.
That being said, Hinkie may not be looking to break the bank before his young team develops and he truly knows what his team can do. Here are 11 free agents that may be floating under the radar that the 76ers should consider taking a long hard look at whether they help with leadership or address a team need and compliment the core (without having to break the bank):
Draymond Green – It would cost a nice lump some of cash to steal Green away from Golden State because the Warriors need him to contend for future rings. With the ability to guard every position from point guard to power forward (and even some centers), Green is going to be a hot commodity for the upcoming year. Golden State may drop a few guys just to keep him but if they cannot find a way to retain him, Brett Brown would love to have a perfect example of what it means to be a versatile, hard-working defender. Last season, the 76ers’ defense was better than average and at times, even good. With Green, they will instantly become great on one end of the floor.
Monta Ellis – Ellis was a perfect fit for a Mavericks team that needed a guard that could handle the rock and be a legitimate scoring threat to complete Dirk’s shooting prowess. However, he may leave Dallas in search of a better contract and the 76ers could offer him eight figures on a short deal that would assist both parties. Ellis brings a scoring option to a 76ers team devoid of offensive fire power and, if they decide to draft D’Angelo Russell, a role model for how to approach offensive basketball. He isn’t bad defensively either with his best attribute being his ability to disrupt the passing lanes.
DeMarre Carroll – Known for his sheer effort on the court, Carroll has only recently played well enough to start for an NBA team. He has trained himself to convert a decent amount of points as a shooter and plays good hustle defense as well. He would fit in well with this current Sixers team without either party ever missing a beat. Brett Brown would love his effort on and off the ball.
Luol Deng – He is no longer playing at the All-Star level he once ascended to but he would be a welcomed addition to a team that sorely misses offensive options and defensive experience. If Deng can provide quality play and leadership at the forward spot, Hinkie will have a season or two to figure out what he wants to do at that position in the future. Depth issues could also be solved with Deng on the roster as well.
Patrick Beverley – Houston suffered tremendously without Beverley against Steph Curry on the perimeter. His defense on the perimeter was essential to Houston and it could be exactly the same for the 76ers. Beverley can provide the defensive tenacity that Philly has needed for a while on the perimeter against scoring guards. His offense is significant but it isn’t anything to sneeze at either.
Danny Green – Green is a shooter. Plain and simple. His defense is also legit when he puts his mind to it because of his length. He could decide that San Antonio is the best place for him, but Philly could give him the starters’ minutes he may sorely desire.
Brandon Bass – Philadelphia already has a good core of young big men to build with as Bass could give quality minutes in a key reserve position on the team for Brett Brown. His effort defensively and mid-range jump-shot is still one of the better parts of his game.
Marco Belinelli – No chance Belinelli leaves San Antonio unless they do not want him back or low ball him with a weak financial offer. The Sixers could provide the cash but it would only be for the short-term anyway as he is a spot up shooter and that’s about it.
KJ McDaniels – Word around town is that McDaniels would definitely come back to Philly if they wanted him back. That one year deal he signed as a second round pick definitely looks genius at this point because Hinkie would have to give him much more than the 600k he made this past season. Houston does not look like they will re-sign him either. Philly BETTER be a prime location.
Andre Miller – Miller is not the great backup guard he used to be but he is still a quintessential point guard that can show any ball handler on the 76ers the way to quality offensive playmaking. This would be a leadership signing.
Kendall Marshall – Marshall’s last games were played for the Los Angeles Lakers and averaged a more than respectable 8.8 assists in his starting minutes. To think Marshall could help this team in the playmaking department with the young weapons they will soon have is an understatement. He may not start, but he should definitely leave a lasting impression just like he did in LA.
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