Philadelphia 76ers: 5 breakout candidates for the 2018-19 season

Markelle Fultz | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Markelle Fultz | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

3. Wilson Chandler

Wilson Chandler has been putting the ball in the bucket for the past 11 seasons. The 6-foot-8 combo forward has established himself as a secondary scoring option. Chandler is a career 13.5 points per game scorer, while shooting 44 percent overall and 34  percent from three.

Last season Wilson Chandler averaged 10.0 points per game. It was his lowest since his injury-riddled season in 2012. Denver’s youth movement has diminished Chandler’s scoring opportunities. Chandler attempted 8.5 field goals last season, which was his lowest since his rookie year. Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, and Nikola Jokic are the focal points of Denver’s young offense. Chandler was slowly becoming the odd man out.

Chandler’s move to Philadelphia could rejuvenate his career. If the Celtics series showed us anything, its that the Sixers were desperate for a go-to scorer outside of Joel Embiid. Wilson Chandler can become that scorer. The majority of his shots came within 10 feet of the basket, or from beyond the arc. Brett Brown’s offense generates quality looks, and Chandler will be in perfect position to capitalize.

Barring injury or catastrophe, Wilson Chandler will come off the bench. His role will be vital to the Sixers’ stability. Chandler can defend and score, which was rare to find on last year’s bench. He’ll have the chance to play both forward positions. He’s strong enough to bully smaller wings, and quick enough to dance around traditional fours.

Brett Brown has always emphasized; its not about who starts the game, its who finishes it. Wilson Chandler could very well blossom into an end-of-game option. Chandler has never played on a better team than the Sixers. This could be his most impactful season yet.