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What are some feasible free agency options this offseason for the Sixers?
~Matt
Well, the Sixers will have an overhaul of new blood heading into next season with three potential first-round picks along with Joel Embiid and Dario Saric's supposed arrival. That doesn't mean that they won't take a look into free agency to see if they can pick up some affordable veterans to help mentor their young team as this rebuild switches to the next gear in 2016-17.
There are some big names that look to be on the market, including Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Al Horford and Dwayne Wade, but look for the Sixers to take a look at names like Brandon Jennings, who would be a good reclamation project with the point guard spot up in the air, Jamal Crawford, Courtney Lee, Mario Chalmers and even OJ Mayo. All of these guys won't demand a ton of money, but can provide the Sixers with some veteran depth off the bench, where a lot of these guys have been spending their time this season.
The biggest need for Philadelphia is shooting and although Crawford is past his prime, he could definitely add a scoring threat. He's averaging 12.1 point per game this season and could be a better option than Isaiah Canaan, who's shooting percentage seems to dip from game to game. Courtney Lee could definitely be a long-range option for the Sixers, who rely on three-pointers more than they should considering that no one is extremely reliable, with the exception of some hot shooting streaks of Covington, Thompson and Canaan. Both Chalmers and OJ Mayo could be options for the Sixers off the bench, but it's tough telling who they could target with so many moving parts in the draft.
What is Ish Smith's future with the team? Could he be the starting point guard next year?
~Dan
Since joining the Sixers, Ish Smith is averaging 14.6 points and 7.6 points per game. Though he has helped the team play more competitively, I think that if the Sixers can get a strong point guard late in the first round, they will. I don't think Smith returning is out of the question, but I don't think Jerry Colangelo and Sam Hinkie are as attached to him as say, Nerlens Noel. If Smith isn't brought back, I don't think that will sit well with Noel who has said on multiple occasions that Ish needs to be back. If they have an opportunity to bring him back at an affordable price, I say do it. I don't think you just let him walk like they did before.
It is also worth mentioning that even though Smith has been behind a lot of the teams' better play over the last month or so, he isn't reliable when it comes to shooting, hitting just 38.8 percent of his shots in 23 games with the Sixers. With the Pelicans, Smith shot 43 percent from the field in 27 games. Towards the end of games, he seems to take the weight of the world in his hand and he doesn't need to do that. Ish's field goal percentage drops from 43 percent in the opening quarter to 37.9 percent in the fourth. Again, I think you explore bringing him back, but I think the Sixers should draft a point guard with one of their three potential first round picks.
What is Elton Brand's role with the team beyond this season? What are the chances of Joel Embiid making a full recovery?
~Erica
Since he's signed with the team, we haven't heard much about Brand because pretty much everyone assumed he wouldn't actually play…and he hasn't. Though he's staying ready, his role is to be a mentor to young guys like Jahlil Okafor, Richaun Holmes and Nerlens Noel. His value isn't really something you can put on paper, but the incite and leadership he provides is something that may be needed after the season, especially with the amount of draft picks, Joel Embiid and Dario Saric. If Brand doesn't find a place to play, which seems likely, I wouldn't be surprised if the Sixers bring him on in an assistant role, but it's tough to predict without hearing from the team or Brand on the situation.
As for Joel Embiid, having two foot surgeries is never a good thing for any player, but especially for a big man like Joel who relies a lot on his feet to create post moves and stay active on both the offensive and defensive boards.There's no way to tell whether or not he'll fully recover, but the Sixers have taken every bit of caution with him. Joel is reportedly kick-starting the next step of his rehab in Qatar, so he should continue on a good path. Embiid seems stronger than last season, more motivated and taking a much more professional approach in his rehab process. He isn't expected to play in Summer League, but Sam Hinkie thinks he'll be ready to go by the time Opening Day comes next season. If he does make a full recovery, the Sixers will have a heck of a trio on their hands with Embiid, Okafor and Noel, with one of them potentially providing the team with a trade chip.
Are the Sixers going to get Blake Griffin from the Clippers next year?
~Jonathan
The Sixers haven't given anyone an indication that they plan to make a move on an NBA superstar. With Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel already on the roster, the Sixers will also have Joel Embiid and Dario Saric if all goes well, in addition to draft picks. A move for Griffin wouldn't really make sense at all for a team that has shown that they plan to draft the next superstar rather than sign or trade for one.
Brandon Apter is a Managing Editor for Sixerdelphia.com
