Despite failing to land LeBron James, Paul George or Kawhi Leonard (so far), the Philadelphia 76ers are still improved heading into 2018-19
Even though the Philadelphia 76ers weren’t able to land LeBron James (in free agency) and have missed (so far) on acquiring Kawhi Leonard, they still have made some very good offseason moves that should result in another step being taken this upcoming season in The Process.
On draft night, Philadelphia received Zhaire Smith and Miami’s 2021 first round draft pick, with Mikal Bridges going to Phoenix. Smith fits in perfectly with the modern NBA defense. Teams are constantly looking for versatile wing defenders who can guard multiple positions.
Smith is a generational type of athlete, and if he can continue to improve his perimeter game and ball handling ability, he is going to be a very good piece for the Sixers. He is in a perfect situation to grow, too.
Here’s Kevin Young on Smith:
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"[via Philly Voice]“We’re trying to get him to be as aggressive as we can…I don’t think it’s innately in his DNA, but I think this is a great environment for him to explore that.”"
The Sixers took Landry Shamet with the 26th pick and received Shake Milton late in the second round (via several trades). Both point guards have terrific size for their positon and both can really shoot from the outside. I think Shamet will help fill in the role that Belinelli had this past season. He can play on and off ball and has a really good feel for the game.
Milton has been unable to play in Summer League due a stress fracture in his back. You have to really like his potential to impact both ends of the court. A two-way contract may be the best option because it allows him to get plenty of playing time. Both Shamet and Milton fit really well with the future of the organization.
Philadelphia re-signed J.J. Redick to a one-year deal, signed Nemanja Bjelica, and received Wilson Chandler from Denver. Getting Redick back was huge because his elite shooting ability fits perfectly with Ben Simmons. Bjelica will replace Ersan Ilysavoa as the stretch four guy off the bench. Wilson Chandler adds yet another versatile wing player to the roster.
Along with Convington, Smith, and Luwawu-Cabarrot, Brett Brown has plenty of depth on the perimeter.
Oh, and the best part of the Summer League so far is that Furkan Korkmaz dropped a 40 piece. He was 8-14 from downtown.
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Philadelphia has a phenomenal young core, headlined by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Dario Saric is still underrated and everybody seems to love T.J. McConnell. And, there is that Markelle Fultz guy. You know, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft. Fultz is going to be one of the most intriguing players to keep an eye on as we look ahead to the 2018-2019 season.
Look, the Kawhi rumors to Philadelphia are still alive, but even if they don’t get him, the organization should be very pleased with the offseason moves. There is no doubt that the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster has improved.