The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers: Top 5 free agents in the Pacific Division

By Christopher Kline

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 14: the Los Angeles Lakers exchange high fives during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 14, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 14: the Los Angeles Lakers exchange high fives during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 14, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 1: Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors

Durant is coming off back-to-back Finals MVP awards, establishing himself as one of the three best players on the planet. His combination of size, length and fluidity as a scorer is unmatched, allowing him to maneuver around slower defenders and shoot over smaller ones. He’s becoming a high-end defender as well.

Strengths

At this point, Durant is the most potent individual scorer in the NBA. His high release point makes it virtually impossible to contest his jumper, while his range extends well beyond the three-point line, both spotting up and off the dribble. For a 7-footer, that’s borderline unfair.

With Golden State, Durant has also shown growth as a playmaker. He had moments last season where tunnel vision got the best of him, but the ability to make high-level passes is there. When he’s engaged, he’s dangerous both as a scorer and a playmaker in the Warriors’ high-octane system.

His length and mobility make him an ultra-versatile defender, allowing him to switch around the perimeter and protect the weak side as a rim protector. Despite his lack of core strength, he’s one of the few players who can legitimately spend time on all five positions.

That, combined with the fact that he’s the league’s best individual scorer, makes him the most valuable commodity on the open market.

Weaknesses

Durant doesn’t have a ton of weaknesses. Again, he did get some tunnel vision in last year’s playoffs, but even Durant playing heavy iso-ball works more often than it doesn’t.

Fit

I would say the Sixers have a zero percent chance of signing Durant, but that might be too high. Even if LeBron is trying to team up with KD, the odds of that happening in Philly are nonexistent. He’s almost certainly re-signing with Golden State anyway.

With that said, Durant would obviously elevate the Sixers to championship-contending status. His combination of shot-making, auxiliary playmaking and defensive versatility would add another dynamic to the Sixers’ rotation.

Next: Top 5 free agents in the Atlantic Division

Simply put, the Sixers would be favorites in the Eastern Conference.