The Sixer Sense
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Sixers prepared to chase after “high-level” talent

By Christopher Kline

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Wycliffe Grousbeck owner of the Boston Celtics and Bryan Colangelo General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers talk before Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Wycliffe Grousbeck owner of the Boston Celtics and Bryan Colangelo General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers talk before Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After years of asset accumulation, the Philadelphia 76ers are finally ready to make a big splash.

The Philadelphia 76ers have entered the final stage of their rebuild. They’re at the point where contention is the goal, meaning a big free agent splash in the offseason is a legitimate possibility. In fact, according to Bryan Colangelo and Brett Brown, it’s a priority.

Despite going into the season with low expectations, the Sixers emerged as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are both All-NBA talents, while their supporting cast thrived after the All-Star break.

A second round loss to the Boston Celtics exposed some holes in their roster, though. The Sixers are still short on two-way wing depth, as evidenced by the dismantling of Marco Belinelli and J.J. Redick on the defensive end in that series.

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They also need another playmaker on the perimeter — somebody who’s capable of creating off the bounce and scoring at all three levels. Markelle Fultz may eventually give them that, but he’s far from a certainty at this point.

In his exit interview, Brett Brown didn’t hold back when explaining the Sixers’ need for another star player.

"“I think that another high-level free agent is required. I feel like we have the ability to attract one. I think we need help to win a championship.” — Brett Brown"

The Sixers’ postseason run would back up that claim. Boston, shorthanded or not, shut down the Sixers with stellar defense and a game plan that meticulously exploited the weakest links in their rotation.

It felt like the Sixers were a piece away. If they add another versatile defender who is capable of taking some of the pressure off Embiid and Simmons offensively, the Celtics probably don’t win that series. It almost certainly wouldn’t happen in five games.

Bryan Colangelo added to Brown’s statements, emphasizing the fact that the Sixers can’t win a championship with their current group. Embiid and Simmons are special enough to improve and keep them competitive long term, but it’s clear that Philly probably won’t reach the peak without some major roster alterations.

As for who those free agents (or trade pieces) might be, the top of the list is already well-known. LeBron James should be the top priority in July, while both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are viable alternatives.

If the Sixers can’t make a splash this summer, 2019 should provide some opportunities as well. It seems like Klay Thompson will be off the open market by then, but names like Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler and Devin Booker might be available.

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Regardless of who ends up joining the Sixers, one thing is clear: They’re swinging for the fences.