Five Early Free Agent Targets Bryan Colangelo Will Covet

The signing of Ryan Anderson wouldn’t make much sense with the current collection of big men, but there’s a reason he’s a part of this slideshow. Trades made involving the three pillars (both literally and figuratively) Noel, Okafor, and Embiid could result in the Sixers needing a starting front court partner to one of their centers.

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For example, if the Jahlil Okafor trade with the Celtics is revisited during the draft, I could see Ryan Anderson as a perfect fit alongside Nerlens Noel while Joel Embiid works himself into his first NBA season. Anderson is a prototypical stretch-four in every sense of the word. He shot above 40 percent from deep all season prior to a down month in March where he struggled mightily before being diagnosed with a sports hernia on the 20th. Anderson has not been back since the injury, and seeing as he’s set up to cash in this offseason, a shutdown for the remaining games only makes sense.

The confidence Bryan Colangelo has in Richaun Holmes, as well as the status of overseas prospect Dario Saric will likely provide fans with a better outlook of the power forward position going forward. If Saric is a Sixer next season, he projects to offer the same qualities as Anderson (and more), so I wouldn’t expect them to offer Anderson a deal. Unfortunately, Saric is a Sam Hinkie special that kept in contact frequently with the former GM, so I’m not sure how the hire Bryan Colangelo will sit with the Croatian star. Saric does has the option to play one more year overseas with Anadolu Efes should he choose to do so.

In the event of a major roster shuffle, the Sixers could be in the market for a player of Anderson’s caliber, and play type. When healthy, Anderson is one of the very best at what he does, and that’s stretch the floor from the power forward spot while still offering good size and adequate rebounding.

Next: #5 Brandon Jennings