Philadelphia 76ers: 5 changes they need to make during the summer

Despite having the talent, the Philadelphia 76ers fell short of expectations this past season. Here are five changes they need to make this summer to avoid doing so again next season

The Philadelphia 76ers fell short of qualifying for the Eastern Conference Finals this year. Again.

However, this season the 76ers were much closer to the ECF than ever before. Despite what most analysts stated about the Sixers, the only reason why Philly didn’t break through in the East this season was because of Kawhi Leonard.

However, with a chance that Kawhi could move West this summer, there is a path for Philly to have that breakthrough season in the East in 2019-20. Let’s take a look at five moves the Sixers need to make to ensure they’re considered legit NBA Championship contenders next season.

1. The 76ers should prioritize signing Tobias Harris over Jimmy Butler this offseason

The 76ers are better off building their team around Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, and Ben Simmons than retaining Jimmy Butler. These are good ascending talents that the 76ers should do everything they can to retain. Jimmy Butler will be 30 by the time next season starts, and it should be mentioned that the Sixers will eventually have to pay Simmons and Embiid bigger contracts too. You simply can’t give everyone a max.

The Rockets were burned after signing 33-year-old Chris Paul to a long-term contract because of his health and physical deterioration. Likely, the same will happen with Jimmy Butler and the Sixers shouldn’t fall into that trap.

2. The Ben Simmons jump shot narrative needs to die

This is definitely the most controversial point on the entire list. However, what Ben Simmons’ critics fail to see is that he can still be effective without a jump shot. The 76ers would probably be better off letting Ben Simmons play the way he plays naturally. He can be a force in the NBA without hitting a lot of 3-point shots. Magic Johnson did it. The Greek Freak is currently doing it. Ben Simmons can do it.

3. The 76ers need more role players on their bench

The 76ers should have not traded Robert Covington and Dario Saric for Jimmy Butler. They were much younger players and the 76ers now lack the depth that could have helped them compete for a championship for years to come. The 76ers aside from their starting lineup have nothing on their roster.

The Raptors are one of the deepest teams in the NBA and this definitely helped them beat the 76ers. The 76ers need to prioritize getting more depth on their roster to help Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

By not re-signing Jimmy Butler, the Sixers would have the cap space to secure valuable role players. They need to prioritize that this summer.

4. The 76ers need more shooters to complement Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid

The 76ers have a dominant inside presence with Joel Embiid and a dominant force that drives into the lane in Ben Simmons. The 76ers need to surround these talents with great shooters. There are a number of great shooters set to hit the open free agent market this weekend, including their own in JJ Redick.

Whether it’s re-signing Redick or adding two shooters at the same price, the bottom line is that the Sixers need to surround their two stars with the necessary shooting.

Next. NBA: Predicting the landing spots for the top 15 free agents. dark

5. The 76ers need to retain Boban

Boban was extremely effective in the playoffs and was a great backup center. His physical presence creates a problem for most teams scoring near the paint. He definitely was more product in the postseason than Greg Monroe. And Boban is definitely a fan favorite.