Status of the Sixers’ Free Agents

By Sean Kennedy (@PhillyFastBreak)

Jason Richardson – In an article by Derek Bodner, Richardson was recently quoting as saying “I really like being around these guys.” All indications are he’d be open to the idea of returning. Would his veteran leadership in the locker room be a big enough reason to give a roster spot to a 34-year-old over a young guy with a chance to develop? I wouldn’t expect him to be back.

Luc Mbah a Moute – Similar to Richardson, the only other veteran on the team has said he enjoyed his team in Philadelphia and would like to come back. Unlike Richardson, Mbah a Moute is still in his twenties (currently 28, turning 29 in September) and also has the added bonus of having the personal history with Joel Embiid. If the Sixers are looking to bring back one of the veterans, Mbah a Moute would seem to be the logical choice.

Thomas Robinson – Robinson put up phenomenal per-36 minute numbers in Philadelphia of 17.1 points and 15.0 rebounds. On the flip side, he’s a black hole offensively, undersized at the position, and not a tremendous defensive player. If the price is right, the Sixers may have interest in going back into business with T-Rob, but if someone else offers him more than a couple million dollars per year, I think he’ll wind up elsewhere.

Ish Smith – The team’s offense flourished when Ish took over as the starting point guard and he particularly showed great chemistry working with Nerlens Noel. Brett Brown also remarked that the staff was encouraged it could help fix Smith’s outside shot, encouraging him to take 55 threes in his 25 games, after only attempting 74 in his previous 221 contests. It would not surprise me to see him as the Sixers’ back-up point guard next season.

Restricted Free Agents

Henry Sims – Sims has a nice mid-range jumper, but offers no rim protection at the center position and doesn’t fit the athletic, up-tempo mold the Sixers are gearing their roster toward. The fact that the team crated down the stretch in the time they tried Noel alongside him further hurts his case. I wouldn’t expect Sims back in a Sixers uniform, but he’ll catch on somewhere in the league.

Glenn Robinson III – Little Dog wasn’t given too much of a shot until the team fully dumpster dived into the tanking abyss during the final week. He didn’t show much to stand out from the crowd when he did make it onto the court; doubtful he’ll be a Sixer next season.

Agree or disagree with any of my thoughts? Let’s hear about it in the comments.