The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Which Philadelphia 76ers Players Not Assured 2017-2018 Roster Spots?

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 28: J.J. Redick
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 28: J.J. Redick /

2017 Free Agents

Shooting Guard J.J. Redick is a great signing in more ways that I have room to list. But the best reader’s digest version is this. – if the Philadelphia 76ers compete for a playoff spot, there will be plenty of incentive to work on retention.  But if the 76ers have misfortune and are not playoff bound?  What a powerful trade chip the Philadelphia 76ers can dangle to one of the playoff teams.

Let’s not believe, however, that the Philadelphia 76ers are not a playoff capable team. Before free agent signings, they were simply a healthy checkup from that discussion. Now? They look to be as high as the fifth seed.

More power

Power Forward Amir Johnson is a stage two veteran insurance policy on the team’s power forward situation.  While many continue to assess Ben Simmons as a power forward, that will likely be dissipated when the season starts. Simmons will attract a small forward, and therefore will be defending that same player.  Johnson is a veteran to take pressure off Dario Saric at absorbing so many minutes at the four.   While it’s unlikely this becomes more than a one and done contract, he could perform like Ersan Ilyasova.  If that is the case, he could be converted into draft picks if the 76ers are not on track for the playoffs also.

Power forward is likely a bridge this season. Next year, Dario Saric will have two NBA seasons behind him, and the team will have options to bring in either of two 2017 drafted power forwards.
So let’s talk about the draft next.