Sixers in Free Agency

By Sean Kennedy (@PhillyFastBreak)

NBA free agency is now a couple weeks old and to no one’s surprise, Philadelphia has been involved in talks to be a dumping ground for unwanted salaries, but not the signing of an actual player. The Sixers under Sam Hinkie have treated free agency like a guy on the dating scene in college. Sure, we’ll give you a chance, but we’re not spending any money and don’t expect to be around for very long. With last offseason’s big acquisition probably being James Anderson, you can bet that there weren’t be any big splashes on the horizon in the months leading up to training camp.

Still, someone has to be out there who would be an intriguing pick-up for the club. Someone still very young and who would be willing to come in on a minimum contract. You can check out the full list of available free agents on NBA.com and decide for yourself, but I have just the player in mind.

At 22 years old, Doron Lamb is actually one month younger than Sixers point guard Michael Carter-Williams. He was a big part of Kentucky’s 2012 national championship team; in fact, he was the leading scorer in the title game, when some guy named Anthony Davis shot just 1-10. In his two years at Kentucky, he shot 47.5% from behind the three-point line, a skill that has translated to the NBA where he’s shot 39% in limited opportunities.

After being drafted 42nd overall by Milwaukee in 2012, Lamb was sent to Orlando as part of the J.J. Redick deal. He’s never been able to find consistent playing time at the pro level, topping out at 13 minutes per game this past season for the Magic. While there’s something to be said for the cream rises to the top, the fact that Lamb has yet to establish himself in the league would allow the Sixers, or any other suitor, to bring him in on a minimum deal.

Lamb was waived just a few weeks ago by the Magic and I’d be surprised if some team didn’t decide to take a chance on the young 6’5″ shooting guard. He represents the type of low-cost, potentially high-upside player I’d like to see the Sixers pursue to fill a need for the team, while remaining consistent with Sam Hinkie’s organizational strategy. After all, the last time the Sixers went after a shooting guard who was a former second-round pick of the Bucks, things worked out pretty well in the form of Jodie Meeks.