Sergio Rodriguez
Status: Active Likely slotted at point guard but with potential to play off ball
Contracted Through: 2017
Current 2016-2017 Salary: $6,800,000
Trade Value: A one-year signing from the Euroleague gives the 76ers virtually no leverage to seek much in terms of trades now. Could increase substantially by trade deadline if playoff team needs back court help.
Strengths: Sergio Rodriguez is a valuable offensive option for the Philadelphia 76ers at the guard position. While he has both NBA and Euroleague experience, his style of distributing the ball through traffic rivals that of Ben Simmons. Added to that his shooting accuracy of over 40 percent from the three and over 50 percent from two point range and it’s clear that he can bring some reason for optimism.
Offense: He developed into a prolific gunner these last few years. He scored on over 40 percent of his three point shots last season. When Simmons sits, he can run the offense seamlessly, nearly matching Simmons ability to pass in the direction of the open man a second before the shot opens up, ensuring the ball is in the hands of the player with the open shot.
Defense: While Rodriguez has aged, he still has above average basketball IQ, and can anticipate moves to the basket. Paired with Henderson, he will draw the task of defender the less gifted guard.
Weaknesses: Rodriguez is a question mark. Despite his success with Real Madrid, and his intrigue to any number of NBA GMs, his 30 year old game is not a consensus to translate to the NBA. His offense may not compensate for his eroding defensive abilities.
Offense: While his game is all about the offense, if he does not appear to be able to translate into the NBA, the team has Jerryd Bayless and Gerald Henderson on the roster, able to contribute offensively – albeit to a lesser extent.
Defense: The team will need to find ways to put Rodriguez into manageable situations defensively. Pairing him with Hederson would be a great first step.
Probability of 2016-2017 Roster: 85 percent.
Next: Summary