The Sixer Sense
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Sixers should prioritize versatility and target David Nwaba

By Christopher Kline

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 6: David Nwaba #11 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 6, 2018 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 6: David Nwaba #11 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 6, 2018 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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With Nemanja Bjelica staying in Europe, the Philadelphia 76ers should throw that money at the former Bulls swingman.

The Philadelphia 76ers got some difficult news Tuesday morning, with Nemanja Bjelica deciding to stay in Europe and play overseas. As somebody who projected as Ersan Ilyasova‘s replacement, his 41.5 percent three-point shooting is a big loss.

With that said, it does open up some more free agency options for the Sixers. Bjelica was slated to take the $4.4 million mid-level exception, meaning Brett Brown and company can now use that money on somebody else. Perhaps the best target left on the market in David Nwaba.

The Bulls curiously rescinded Nwaba’s qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. Numerous teams have been rumored to have interest in signing Nwaba — including the Bulls and Lakers — but the Sixers could present him with an appealing opportunity.

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Wilson Chandler will likely take on minutes as the Sixers’ backup four in lieu of Bjelica. That would allow Nwaba to be the first wing off the bench, adding some much-needed defensive versatility and secondary ball-handling to the second unit.

Nwaba isn’t an elite three-point shooter, but he did hit 34.6 percent of his (limited) attempts from deep last season. With more open looks playing next to Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and Markelle Fultz, it’s reasonable to expect that percentage to continue trending upward.

Having spent just two seasons in the NBA, Nwaba is still just 25 years old. He’s a young wing who provides immediate value, all while giving the Sixers flexibility next summer. With cap space drying up around the league, Nwaba will likely settle for a short-term deal so he can hit free agency again in 2019.

At 6-foot-4, Nwaba’s length and strength allows him to defend three positions successfully. He also got plenty of reps as a ball-handler last season, emerging as one of the Bulls’ most intriguing reserves in the process.

There are two things the Sixers lacked desperately in the 2018 playoffs: perimeter defense behind Covington/Simmons and wings who can dribble and attack closeouts. Nwaba checks both boxes.

More so than last season, the Sixers have the chance to build an extremely versatile rotation around Joel Embiid. Ben Simmons and Robert Covington can both guard four positions, while the lack of Marco Belinelli minutes (and addition of Chandler) will help tremendously in the second unit.

Next: Sixers need to get serious about Kawhi

If the Sixers can get Nwaba in Philly, he should be an absolute priority.