The Philadelphia 76ers and their fans have embraced Mike Scott, who’s returning the favor.
When the Philadelphia 76ers traded for Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott, few anticipated Scott becoming the most beloved of the trio. The Tobi and Bobi show goes on, but fans were quick to establish the Mike Scott Hive — offering support for a player who embodies the spirit of Philadelphia.
Scott is now a fan favorite entering free agency, one of several important pieces set to test the open market. Ever since Kawhi Leonard‘s shot clanked the rim and dropped in, fans have been calling for the Sixers to run it back. It’s difficult to envision such a concept without Scott’s return.
The Sixers will presumably dish out max-level contracts to Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris, assuming both are willing to re-sign. There will be debate, but the Sixers have a limited window to utilize their cap space. The best route is keeping both around long-term.
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After that, the Sixers will need to dip into cap exceptions — the mid-level exception and the bi-annual exception — to acquire free agents or retain others. The Sixers can probably retain J.J. Redick for a comparable price to last season, but the bench pieces might demand more.
James Ennis has already declined his $1.8 million player option and expressed interest in a more lucrative multi-year deal. The Sixers would need to dip into one of those exceptions to offer such a contract, which could prove risky. Ennis will have suitors after his strong postseason run.
Scott, however, projects at a much lower value on the open market. He might be the best player in a vacuum, but NBA teams are fixated on capable 3-and-D wings. Ennis’ archetype has more value than his actual skill set, to some degree.
The Sixers should be willing to re-sign Scott for the right price. If the market expands and Scott is getting offers upward of $4-5 million per season, it becomes difficult to justify re-signing him. The Sixers have limited space to fill several gaps. But on the right deal, Scott’s return should be a given.
On the court, Scott offers a 40.1 percent three-point shooter, a capable shot-maker and a gritty defensive presence at the four spot. He played sparse minutes as a stretch-five, but the Sixers get the most value when Scott defends and attacks opposing power forwards.
Scott added a legitimate scoring punch to the second unit, something the Sixers lacked before the trade deadline — especially in the frontcourt. His spot-up shooting, occasional mid-range jumper and off-ball work were underrated in value. He was more productive than Ennis during the regular season. It’s the Toronto series, during which Scott was returning from injury, that flipped the narrative.
Scott has embraced Philadelphia on social media and in interviews. He has also expressed a desire to remain with the Sixers, making clear his intentions. All it takes is the Sixers following through with a reasonable, competitive offer. The man went to a Phillies game as an unrestricted free agent.
A tough, work-hard player like Scott tends to draw adoration in South Philly. He already carved out his own niche in the fanbase, with loud support and a large contingent of fans who would take issue with a departure. The front office almost needs to keep Scott.
The Sixers need to run it back. Hopefully Scott partakes in the festivities.