3 NBA veterans the Philadelphia 76ers should pursue in free agency
Aside from signing a superstar player this summer, the Philadelphia 76ers will have to push on creating a core that can win a championship around their stars. Any NBA team with a real chance on the title needs veteran leadership, and Philly lacked it in instances from their veteran players. This summer, with a lot of cap space in place, the Sixers will have the chance to fix the issue
NBA has been star-ridden league, but, creating a mix of talented and experience players is the key in today’s roster building. It is clear that Philadelphia remains an attractive project despite their shortcomings in the playoffs and bringing in veterans that can lift the team in the postseason is a major goal for the franchise.
For now, Daryl Morey and the rest of the front office is focused on bringing in a third-string star alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. However, they will have to start to look in the market on ways they can present a team that is ready to win big next season. Thus, here three veteran free agents the Sixers should look into this summer.
1.Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones has been one of the best back-up point guards in the league alongside former 76er TJ McConnell. The Duke product made his name during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies backing up superstar guard Ja Morant. Though, his size has been a limiting factor in what he can offer especially in defense, Jones is one of the most turnover-free players in the league.
Considering that those numbers came in a bad team and the Sixers’ turnover issues especially late in the game, Jones might be the answer to their problems. Jones played a lot alongside Morant during his time with the Grizzlies and he can be perfect in the same role alongside Tyrese Maxey. The former Minnesota guard wasn’t able to save the Wizards from a poor year, but he’s capable to fit perfectly in Philadelphia.
2. Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie has seen his career being on a decline during the last two seasons after three impressive seasons with the Brooklyn Nets between 2018-2020. A serious injury that was limited him to three games during the 2020-21 season cut his huge surge. Dindwiddie gained some of his feet back during his time in Dallas and started to find rhythm after returning to Brooklyn.
However, his game during the 2023-24 season declined sharply as he put averages of just 10.5 points and 4.7 assists averaging an abysmal 48.9% on EFG%. You should argue that the 76ers will have to stay away from a player that experienced those deficiencies during the season. However, Dinwiddie seems to be a competitor that wants to win.
He was criticized for his play during the season and he might come back with a chip on his shoulder after his poor performances in Brooklyn and LA. The Colorado product has proven himself in winning environments, helping the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets a lot during his time there.
He’s also capable of sharing the court with other guards, so his presence won’t be in an issue playing alongside Tyrese Maxey. Moreover, he can be available in a lower price coming off an abysmal season and searching for a good environment in order to revitalize his career.
3. Royce O’Neale
The Phoenix Suns tried to beat the usual roster building process by bringing in three superstars to play together. Now, they are back to the drawing board as their top-heavy roster failed to make an impact. Through injuries and poor fit, O’Neale was one of the steady contributors for his team, despite the fact that he only played 40 games in Phoenix.
The wing was sent to the Arizona desert mid-season and immediately raised the level of his play playing in a winning project. He averaged 8.1 points on 37.6% shooting from three playing alongside Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. O’Neale has a lot of playoff experience spending the majority of his career in winning teams in Utah, Brooklyn, and Phoenix.
His defensive efficiency remains his strong suit, while he’s able to play as a power forward in smaller lineups as he’s a capable rebounder averaging almost five per game throughout his career. The former Utah forward is a safe bet, and he will add toughness and grit in the wing for the Sixers.
While he’s an undersized wing, O’Neale is playing “bigger” than his opponents without losing any mobility. He could be a useful addition in a back-up role at this point in his career providing cover without Philadelphia removing much of their financial flexibility this summer.
