Philadelphia 76ers: 5 things to consider about Al Horford signing
5. A tight window
The Sixers’ title window is tough to peg down. Embiid and Simmons, barring unforeseen injury or departure, should keep Philadelphia competitive for years. But right now, the Sixers have a clear title window. One that might close sooner than later.
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After next season, the Brooklyn Nets will have Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and a deep supporting cast. The Warriors will have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell, assuming all goes to plan. Kawhi Leonard will lurk somewhere.
There’s a chance the Sixers’ best shot a winning a championship is next season. The front office needs to maximize those odds, which Horford accomplishes. If Butler wasn’t going to return, Horford provides a security blanket on defense and a smart plug-and-play option on offense.
The Sixers’ cap space is also running dry. If the Sixers weren’t able to sign Horford and proceeded to extend Ben Simmons, max cap space would be gone. The Sixers would end up with nobody, rather than Horford on a slight perceived overpay.
Philadelphia needed to use the money while it was still available. Horford isn’t flashy, but he’s a supremely skilled player who boosts the Sixers’ title odds. It’s simple. The Sixers needed to act this summer and enter next season with a concrete, competitive core.