The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers, may we approach the bench?

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Amir Johnson
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Amir Johnson /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers greets players during a timeout in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on February 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Miami Heat 103-97. 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 Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers greets players during a timeout in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on February 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Miami Heat 103-97. 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 Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

But Brett’s bench suffers

We’ve covered a lot of ground, but the bottom line so far is that the team’s bench suffers dramatically next season.  How so? Not one of the scenarios described- whether healing players, international imports, nor rookie arrivals – adds the most important and necessary ingredient to the team’s bench next season. Consistancy. Blue-collared, no frills, dependability. The most scarce atttribute to anyone with limited NBA experience.

We can talk potential, upside, down-the-road all we want. But to get that bench to a point where the team needs it to be, there is that gaping void of veteran presence. I do not willingly walk in this direction.  But from Carl Landry in the heart of the rebuild, veterans have brought dependable production to the team. Well, for the most part. Let’s pass up some signings for the moment.

Why not re-sign Redick, Belinelli, and Ilyasova?

The first question is the most obvious. Why wouldn’t the team wish to re-sign the current bench group, and then limit the youth movement altogether? After all, we’ve discussed the immediate boost to the team’s bench offense since Belinelli and Ilyasova signed. And that improves next season as the team and players finally have some stability and roster consistancy.  So what does that mean for the team?

The team needs to give strong consideration to re-signing J.J. Redick for two more years, and perhaps offer a one-year deal to Belinelli.   While I believe that Pasecniks can absorb the center backup role well enough for this team, it’s clear that the team will need someone solid to have at the wing. And if Redick won’t consider a two-year deal, then the team should shop the free agent market. There are younger capable wing players hitting free agency, and the 76ers are a coveted landing spot for NBA players right now.