The Philadelphia 76ers need to leave all options on the table.
This is a shorter piece that might precede a longer, more in-depth look at Jrue Holiday down the line. According to The New York Times’ Marc Stein, the Pelicans are open to trading their star two-guard. It marks an important departure from a preseason in which New Orleans treated Holiday as untouchable.
In broad strokes, the Philadelphia 76ers would have a tough time getting Holiday back in America’s colors. His contract would require dealing either Tobias Harris or Al Horford, and neither appeal strongly to what New Orleans might want in return. He will have other suitors, and the Sixers don’t have a clear, undeniable need for Holiday’s services.
When the dice are rolled and the dust settles, I doubt Holiday rejoins his former franchise. The Sixers are committed to winning a title, and a 20-8 start is a positive Indicator. Harris and Horford have filled valuable roles thus far, and the front office invested in both significantly this summer. Obviously, there’s a level of confidence in Harris and Horford some fans might not share.
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The goal of this piece, however, is more philosophical. The Sixers should very much have Holiday on their radar, whether he’s a feasible target or not. Whether he’s someone the front office prefers talent-wise to Horford or Harris, or not.
Holiday is a bonafide NBA star who fits the profile of Philadelphia’s greatest weaknesses. He doesn’t overlap Josh Richardson — he provides more relief in key areas. He’s a top-notch playmaker, an elite multi-position defender, and a viable secondary scorer to Joel Embiid.
The Sixers would benefit, on paper, from another ball-handler who can not only get dribble penetration and score off the bounce, but one who can take pressure off Ben Simmons as a creator. Holiday can work the pick-and-roll as more than a pull-up threat. He’s a genuinely talented and diverse passer.
On defense, Holiday upgrades the Sixers’ ability to contain guards on the perimeter. The Sixers have an elite defense funneled toward Horford and Embiid in the middle — it’s not a weakness overall. Still, there is clear value in Holiday’s individual talents.
Arguments for or against trading for Holiday are all valid. The Sixers, however, shouldn’t have a close-minded approach. All options should be on the table. A major theme this season has been continuity. For the first time, Brett Brown has a contender and consistency. A training camp and a season to work through kinks with a legitimate contender.
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There is real value in continuity and consistency — value that shouldn’t go unacknowledged. That doesn’t mean the Sixers should avoid sweeping changes if it means increased title odds. The Jimmy Butler trade almost worked. Even a year later, with everything in the rearview mirror, Philadelphia was right to make that trade.
If the Sixers view Holiday as a significant upgrade over Harris or Horford — and I stress the word if — Philadelphia should call New Orleans as soon as possible. Beat out other bidders, lead the charge, and embrace another season of change.
Holiday is 29, two years older than Harris and four years younger than Horford. He’s on a shorter contract than both, and again, fits a clear and valuable niche in a star-studded rotation. If the Sixers view Holiday as the next step, fear of change shouldn’t deter them.
The Sixers are title-hunting, which means a constant hunt for the edge. Weigh the benefits of Holiday vs. Harris, or Holiday vs. Horford. Weigh the benefits of continuity vs. a diversified offense. The Sixers shouldn’t get comfortable and sit idle, even with a borderline elite group.
This piece has a broader meaning beyond Holiday. The Sixers need to leave all options on the table.