3. Trey Burke
The Sixers need shot creators in the second unit. It’s a potentially fatal flaw in an otherwise impressive roster. Outside Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson, Philadelphia lacks players who can consistently break down defenders in a halfcourt setting.
On a more narrow scale, backup point guard is another glaring need. Ben Simmons and Raul Neto are the only players on the roster equipped to handle point guard duties. Simmons is a unique case, while Neto has an injury history. Shake Milton‘s Summer League seemed to indicate a lack of readiness at the lead guard spot.
Trey Burke adds much-needed insurance and potential competition in training camp. He’s talented enough to beat out Neto in the rotation — a dynamic scoring guard who has come into his own over the past two seasons.
After a strong 2017-18 season in New York, Burke was traded at the deadline last season. He was involved in the Kristaps Porzingis deal, joining a Mavericks team devolving into tank mode. His minutes decreased as a result.
On the whole, Burke averaged 10.9 points and 2.7 assists in 19.8 minutes per game. His .431/.352/.831 shooting splits aren’t special, but he’s an adequate shot creator and someone who can get dribble penetration, put pressure on set defenses and open up the floor.