The Sixers started the free agency period on the low. They haven’t been making any big moves, but they have made moves that will help the team improve immediately, and for the long term.
Free Agency Update
Their first move of free agency was signing point guard Jerryd Bayless. The Sixers signed Bayless to a 3 year, $27 million contract. In my opinion this was a great move by the Sixers, and was a steal in a record setting year for money spent.
The Sixers then went out to get another point guard, Sergio Rodriguez of Real Madrid. Rodriguez certainly wasn’t a guy anyone expected the Sixers to sign, but he certainly brings some good play to the table. Rodriguez signed a 1-year, $8 million contract. The Euroleague star is a crafty point guard who can score the ball with ease and make eye popping passes. Rodriguez was the Euroleague MVP in 2014 and helped lead his team, Real Madrid, to the championship in 2015. Rodriguez is known as a European star, but this isn’t his first stint in the NBA. Actually, back in 2006 Rodriguez was drafted 27th overall by the Phoenix Suns. He also played for the Trail Blazer and Knicks during his time in the association. He was recently given the nickname “The Spanish Curry” if that tells you anything about him. He will be extremely fun to watch, but he won’t give you much on the defensive end of the floor. He’s a good guy to have in the locker room, and will certainly bring lots of experience to the team.
Below is his highlight video from Real Madrid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEP-PdnC2vM
The Sixers latest move was signing veteran shooting guard Gerald Henderson. This might be the most important move the Sixers have made so far this free agency. The Sixers signed Henderson to a 2-year, $18 million contract. In my opinion, Henderson was another steal for the price. Henderson is a solid offensive scorer and a versatile good defender. He will come in and immediately big a big impact player. He’s been developing his three point shot over the years, and has a good drive and pull up game from the mid range. The Philadelphia native finally gets to come home to bolster the rebuilding Sixers backcourt.
Rumors
- The biggest rumor right now involving the Sixers is that they’re very interested in Rudy Fernandez and have offered him a contract. If we do bring Fernandez aboard, he would add a lot of experience and talent to the backcourt, and play alongside another foreigner, Sergio Rodriguez.
- Despite recently signing Gerald Henderson, the Sixers are still interested in shooting guard Dion Waiters. Waiters was one of the only players the Sixers have been in contact with since the beginning of the free agency period opened, and it’s still a possibility that Waiters will come home to play ball.
- The Ricky Rubio for Nerlens Noel rumors are still very much alive. Despite signing Bayless and Rodriguez, the Sixers could still trade for the Spanish pass-first point guard.
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