Game 7 vs. Toronto Raptors could determine the Philadelphia 76ers’ future
The Philadelphia 76ers’ future could hinge significantly on the outcome of Game 7 in Toronto.
After a convincing Game 6 win at home, the Philadelphia 76ers will look to accomplish the improbable in Toronto. Game 7 should feature two gritty, energized performances, as both teams have the burden of pressure.
For the Raptors, Sunday night’s outcome will inevitably factor into Kawhi Leonard‘s free agency decision. If Toronto loses, the series gets chalked up to a poor supporting cast that couldn’t win despite Leonard’s historic production. That could make him look elsewhere — perhaps a deeper up-and-coming team like the Clippers.
On Philadelphia’s end, there are major upcoming free agents in Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and J.J. Redick. All three, to varying degrees, could base their decision at least partially on the Sixers’ ability to advance.
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Both these teams made win-now moves to stockpile talent and compete for an Eastern Conference title. Now just one will have the opportunity. With several high-level free agents toeing the line between offseason and postseason, no series this season has had bigger stakes than Sixers-Raptors.
When the Sixers traded for Harris, the goal was simple: to re-sign both him and Butler next summer. Philadelphia’s ownership and management hasn’t wavered from that goal — at least not in public.
With that said, there’s reason to believe ownership wants to advance. If Brett Brown’s job is still in question after a theoretical Game 7 loss, it’s evident that Josh Harris and Co. are expecting results right now. How much ownership and the front office is willing to offer Butler and Harris could change depending on Sunday’s outcome.
If the Sixers don’t offer the full five-year max on both accounts, there becomes a very real chance that one or both walks. Jimmy, despite his age and injury past, has earned his money. There are more questions surrounding Harris’ true value at this point, especially with his smaller role in the offense.
Harris has struggled at multiple points in the series. While it’s important to connect the Sixers’ current success to his presence — the Sixers don’t get this far without Harris — there are still those questioning if he’s worth a five-year contract in the $190 million range.
Those are valid questions, and one the Sixers’ higher-ups will undoubtedly be asking. If Harris lays an egg and the Sixers lose, it could leave a bad enough taste to make Philadelphia hesitant.
In addition to the looming free agent decisions, the future of Brett Brown is, again, still unknown. Brown has out-coached both Kenny Atkinson and Nick Nurse through 11 postseason games, but it seems as though complete satisfaction from those in charge hasn’t been reached.
Next. 3 keys to winning Game 7 on the road. dark
There’s no reason to fire Brown, but the possibility is there. The Sixers’ coaching staff and core could both look drastically different next season, with Game 7 being the moment that triggers such change. A win would settle numerous concerns.