The Sixer Sense
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5 non-star free agents Sixers should consider

By Christopher Kline

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 29: Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 29: Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Tyreke Evans, Memphis Grizzlies

Evans is coming off the best season since his rookie year, averaging 19.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game for a middling Grizzlies team. He stepped up in the absence of Michael Conley Jr., giving Memphis another go-to option alongside Marc Gasol.

The contract situation will be the most challenging aspect of signing Evans. As somebody with a historically up-and-down career, the former Rookie of the Year might be looking for long-term money. Assuming LeBron and PG13 walk away, though, putting together a Redick-style contract should be on the table.

An athletic slasher who vastly improved his three-point shooting last season, Evans fixes some of the Sixers’ foremost issues. Not only is he another ball-handler, but his defensive versatility would add to the Sixers’ already-impressive defensive core.

At 6-foot-6, Evans is a plus athlete who can effectively defend three positions. He’s averaging over a steal per game for his career, jumping passing lanes and turning turnovers into transition offense. His fit in an up-tempo, defense-first system like Philadelphia is undeniable.

Judging a player’s shooting profile based on a one-season spike in efficiency is risky, but Evans showed enough as a spot-up shooter to project well next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. He can create some off the bounce, but should be the beneficiary of ample open looks as well.

Depending the Sixers’ other free agency additions, Evans would likely occupy the sixth man role for Brett Brown’s squad. With that said, his secondary creation and shot-making ability might put him on the floor during crunch time.