5. Chris McCullough
The big man rotation has been the most promising faction of the Summer Sixers’ roster, aside from Zhaire Smith. McCullough in particular has shown some promising flashes, displaying the length and athleticism that made him a first-round pick in 2015.
On the defensive end, McCullough has effectively deterred shots at the rim and defended in space. He’s a definite NBA athlete who, for that reason alone, should be popping onto front offices’ radars — including the Sixers.
Amir Johnson is getting old, Jonah Bolden is unproven and Richaun Holmes might be gone next season. The Sixers need to invest in depth behind Joel Embiid, and handing McCullough a two-way contract could be the solution.
Among other things, injuries have played a big role in McCullough’s early-career struggles. In three years split between the Nets and Wizards, McCullough hasn’t played more than 24 games in a single season. That was his rookie year.
If the Sixers are going to make any sort of investment in McCullough, they’ll need to make sure the medical is clear. What he has shown in Summer League is worth the interest, though, especially given his upside on the offensive end. He’s a career 30.6 percent three-point shooter.