Rumors: Sixers eyeing Lou Williams, Marco Belinelli
By Owen Nelson
![MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 26: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 26, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 26: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 26, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1cde459ad51a6910579b8109e7adbfda58882d5a0680e888fc400043fdc45f96.jpg)
As the trade deadline is quickly approaching, the Philadelphia 76ers still have a little business to do.
In the past few weeks, the bench unit of the Philadelphia 76ers has had their fair share of struggles. In the 105-101 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the bench was only able to muster up 20 points. Shortly after, in the 116-108 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, they were even worse as they were only able to score 17 points.
Moreover, it’s clear that the 76ers need more reliable shooters. We’ve got one in J.J. Redick. We also got one in Robert Covington, but he’s regressed massively since the start of the season.
Our worst three-point shooting performance of the season came against the Milwaukee Bucks where the team shot a combined 2-26 from downtown — just seven percent.
Per source, Bryan Colangelo is looking “to add a shooter, or two” before trade deadline, but is not willing to part with first rd picks. #Sixers
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) February 1, 2018
There have been several names floating around about who the 76ers could possibly be targeting. The most notable ones are Lou Williams (here), Tyreke Evans (here) and Marco Belinelli (here). All three players would add a much-needed skill to the team: scoring.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams has had an incredible season so far, so much so that many believe he deserved to be an All-Star. The 31-year-old is averaging a career-highs in points per game with 23.5, as well as assists per game (5.2), three-point percentage (39 percent), free-throw percentage (89.5 percent) and minutes per game (32.4).
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The 13-year pro has already had four games where he scored 40+ points this season. His season-high in points is 50, which happened against the Golden State Warriors. Williams’ ability to go off on any given night would add another lethal threat to the team.
The alternative option here would be Atlanta Hawks guard Marco Belinelli. The Italian’s season hasn’t been anywhere near as remarkable as Williams, but he would be a solid option. It would also cost less to trade for the former first-round pick.
Belinelli is averaging 11.4 points per game and is shooting 37.1 percent from three-point range on an underwhelming Hawks team. The Hawks are in the midst of an extensive rebuild, so they wouldn’t be opposed to giving up veteran players for assets.
Next: Ben Simmons deserved an All-Star spot
I think it’s fairly likely that the 76ers bring someone in ahead of next Thursday’s trade deadline. If the 76ers are willing to give up a first-round pick, they could land some of the most coveted names currently on the trade block.