While the Philadelphia 76ers were “…star hunting” in free agency, they apparently missed out on a very good player in the process.
The focus of the Philadelphia 76ers free agency was to pursue a superstar to pair with the team’s young core. However, that goal was never reached this offseason and now it appears that the franchised whiffed on signing a very good player that would have significantly improved the team. The player in question is the Chester, Pennsylvania native Tyreke Evans.
Evans recently did an interview with Matt Mullin of PhillyVoice, in which the primary subject of the Q&A was Evans’ basketball camp in Chester. However, Mullin was able to gain insight about how free agency played out for the multi-positional perimeter player. Mullin asked Evans if he was contacted by the Sixers during free agency and Evans’ answer was the following.
"“No, I did not hear from the Sixers in free agency. I know that during the trade deadline, they wanted me. But they were probably looking for something else in free agency. I don’t really know what they were doing over there but I definitely didn’t hear from them.”"
In his answer above, Evans seems somewhat confused why he didn’t hear from Philadelphia. Mullin did a follow up question and asked if Evans would be interested in playing for the 76ers. Evans answer should give Philly fans hope for a future union.
"“I mean, definitely. Just as far as me being from where I’m from and watching Allen Iverson play every night, it would definitely be a dream to go there and play in front of my family. Whatever happens, happens. But if I ever get a chance to, I would definitely love that opportunity.”"
There’s a possibility that Evans could come play for Philly as soon as the 2019-2020 season, due to the fact that he only signed a one-year contract with the Indiana Pacers this offseason after not hearing from the Sixers. However, missing out on a Pennsylvania product who wants to play for the franchise should leave a sour taste in the 76ers front office.
More from Free Agency
- Grade the Deal: 76ers match Jazz’s wily offer sheet, keep Paul Reed
- Grade the Deal: 76ers sign free agent Mo Bamba, retain Montrezl Harrell
- Philadelphia 76ers add center depth by signing Mo Bamba
- This stunning free agency slip could doom the 76ers next season
- 5 best remaining free agents the 76ers should target
Not only does Evans want to play in Philly, he’s actually a very good player. He was rumored to be on the team’s radar before last season’s trade deadline for good reason. He has a career average of 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.3 steals, while shooting 44.5 percent from the floor and 31.8 percent from the 3-point line. He was also ranked in Co-Site Expert of The Sixer Sense Christopher Kline’s article about the top free agent from the Southwest Division.
If the Sixers actually would have made contact with Evans and signed him, he would have been the unquestioned leader of the team’s second unit. He also would have shared the title of best free agent signing for the club with J.J. Redick, as Redick also re-signed with the club this offseason.
The Philadelphia 76ers were so blinded by star power they missed out on a player that could have become a foundation piece of the club’s second unit. While there is hope for an eventual union of the two parties, its apparent that this offseason the Sixers missed out on the opportunity to make it happen.