The Sixer Sense
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Redick’s Eagerness to Join Philadelphia 76ers Shows a New Culture

By Rusty Gorelick

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: JJ Redick #4 of the LA Clippers shoots a three in front of Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during a 133-124 Clipper win at Staples Center on March 29, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: JJ Redick #4 of the LA Clippers shoots a three in front of Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during a 133-124 Clipper win at Staples Center on March 29, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Sharpshooter J.J. Redick has agreed to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a 1-year deal. The franchise has thus proven that it’s ready to win now.

The Philadelphia 76ers have never been a destination for high-quality free agents in this millennium. The highest-profile player they got on the open market was Elton Brand, who never became the player the Sixers thought they were getting in his time in Philly. Things have now changed since Bryan Colangelo decided to spend big to fill the biggest need in the starting lineup. The signing of J.J. Redick is proof that the Sixers are ready to win.

After spending so many seasons hovering around the salary cap floor, Philly finally has someone making big money. Reports say that Redick will make $23 million with the Sixers over 1 year. Although it seems like too much money for a shooter at first glance, getting Redick at this price is a steal in a market in which Evan Turner is getting close to $18 million per year. The Philadelphia 76ers have committed to high-paying short-duration contracts.

Best shooter on market

Redick was the best shooter available and is a perfect fit for the 76ers. The team shot an atrocious 34 percent from three-point range last season, which was the 25th-best mark in the league. For his career, Redick has shot 41.5 percent from deep, which makes him one of the greatest shooters of all time. He’s 33-years-old and will be another leader in the locker room and on the floor, which is crucial because Brett Brown will start two rookies next season.

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Since Ben Simmons is not a shooter by any means, Redick will provide a reliable option for drive-and-dish plays. The ex-Duke star is the perfect complement for Simmons, who thrives when attacking the basket and finding teammates. Having Redick lurking on the 3-point line will stretch defenses and clear some space in the lane for Simmons to slash into or for Joel Embiid to work with when he is posting up.

Playoff ready

Redick’s signing also proves that the Sixers are ready to compete. Why else would he have signed a one-year deal when he would have gotten a longer contract elsewhere? ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said this regarding the two-guard’s decision:

"“Redick has long been intrigued with signing with the Sixers, impressed with the franchise’s young talent and enthusiastic about playing for coach Brett Brown.”"

Now that players are starting to see what the Philadelphia 76ers are putting together, big names will consider the Sixers in free agency much more than they have in recent memory. Plus, with around $27 million left in cap space after the Redick deal, there is still room to make an addition or two. By signing Redick to a one-year deal, Bryan Colangelo has shown that he wants to extend all the big names on the Sixers and will not sign an instant-impact free agent to a Ryan Anderson-esque contract that will cripple the franchise’s salary cap for years.

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Room to play extensions

With Embiid and Robert Covington on the last year of their respective contracts, the Sixers will probably stand pat for the rest of free agency in order to have the funds to extend those key players. At the moment, the Sixers are looking great ahead of the upcoming season. As long as everyone stays healthy, Philly should be right in the thick of the playoff race by springtime in 2018.

Next: Why the Philadelphia 76ers’ process continues

With this newfound ambition from the front office, teams might finally fear the Philadelphia 76ers when competing for players on the open market. Signing Redick shows that Colangelo is ready to spend big on the right players, and that is another reason that this offseason should make fans confident in the GM.