The Philadelphia 76ers’ second unit is looking short on (proven) floor spacers.
After striking out on LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, the Philadelphia 76ers have pivoted nicely with one-year acquisitions that maintain future flexibility. The team will be relying heavily on internal development, but that alone should allow them to compete in the East.
Perhaps their biggest issue, though, is spacing — primarily in the second unit. The starting five will be the same as last season, but the bench is lacking when it comes to reliable floor spacers.
Markelle Fultz is expected to take on an expanded role next season. He might be able to shoot, but we aren’t really sure. There isn’t much of a precedent for No. 1 picks forgetting how to shoot. The other ball-handler who’s likely to get minutes, T.J. McConnell, isn’t much of a shooter either.
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Zhaire Smith will get minutes on the wing. He can hit some spot-up threes, but as of right now, his jumper is considered a weakness. Wilson Chandler is the only viable three-point shooter who is guaranteed consistent minutes off the bench.
One potential solution is Mike Muscala, who was recently acquired in the trade that sent Justin Anderson and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot elsewhere. Unlike Amir Johnson, Muscala is a skilled offensive player with legit shooting chops and some nice passing skills at the five.
Since he can hold his own defensively, there is a real chance that Muscala takes some — if not all — of Johnson’s minutes behind Joel Embiid. He might even take some minutes at the power forward when Dario Saric and Robert Covington sit.
Landry Shamet and Furkan Korkmaz are both reserves who specialize in perimeter shooting, but neither has proven themselves to be NBA-ready players. Korkmaz had a strong Summer League, but can’t really defend. Shamet is a smart, high-I.Q. player, but has some defensive limitations as well.
That leaves the Sixers without a ton of ready-to-go shooters in the second unit, which could be an issue on a team that prioritizes spacing and pace. Simmons and Embiid are elite talents, but both need proper spacing to maximize their unique skill sets.
One potential solution has surfaced in recent days: Kyle Korver. Rumors are that the Sixers have discussed shipping the Cavs Jerryd Bayless’ expiring contract in exchange for the 37-year-old sniper, bringing him back to Philly and cementing their bench with one of the best off-ball shooters in NBA history.
That would be significant for multiple reasons. Korver’s deal is only partially guaranteed next season, allowing them to clear cap space in the summer of 2019. He’s also the prototypical Brett Brown wing: unceasing off-ball movement that leads to open shots and open driving lanes.
Many of the same benefits that J.J. Redick brings to the starting unit, Korver would bring to the reserves. Remember those Redick-Marco Belinelli lineups that ran teams into the ground toward the end of last season? Replacing Belinelli with Korver would be an upgrade on both ends.
Focusing Wilson Chandler’s minutes at the four spot, letting Korver and Smith control the wings and sprinkling in some Muscala minutes at the five is the best way to keep the second unit functional around Simmons, Embiid (and Fultz).
Next: Did the Sixers win the Kawhi trade?
If the Sixers can reach a Korver deal, they have to pull the trigger.