Episode IX
STAR ATTRACTION
As 76ers fans revelled in the light of their two new stars, ownership knew that a third star would have to be added to complete the Process. Preferably a veteran leader, this new addition would need to be a voice in the locker room and add production on the floor. In the years following the departure of Sam Hinkie, multiple players with veteran profiles would join the prodigious talents of Embiid and Simmons.
The first was sharpshooter J.J. Redick. A Duke graduate, Redick played with his fair share of stars. From Dwight Howard to Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, Redick knew how to contribute and play a specific role in an offense. The most impressive aspect of his addition to the 76ers was that a trade did not bring him to Philadelphia. He used his free agency status to test the market, and he chose to join Embiid and Simmons.
Redick made an impact early with his new team. Coming off screens like Reggie Miller and draining threes opened the lanes and made Embiid’s life a lot easier. Unfortunately, Redick was not enough to propel the 76ers to the next level. So, Brand went back to the phones.
In November of 2018, Jimmy Butler’s stay in Minnesota was worn thin. Relationships were broken, and he was looking for a new team. According to Tanking to the Top, a book devoted to the 76ers Process, Jimmy Butler inquired about playing in Philadelphia at his agent’s 40th birthday party in Toronto.
Would Elton Brand risk damaging the chemistry of his young team with a player who caused so much drama in his previous two locker rooms? In Brand’s mind, Butler was worth it. So, when the trade was finalized, Jimmy Butler had a new role in the 76ers starting lineup, bringing a defensive mindset and clutch scoring. The leadership part would have to play out in time. To the surprise of most, Brand was not done dealing quite yet.
In February 2019, the 76ers had a winning record, and they were starting to gel nicely. Yet, Brand felt that the time to win was now, and another scoring option would help position them even closer to being a championship contender. A trade with the LA Clippers landed the 76ers a player on the rise, Tobias Harris.
Having a career year at the time, Harris was lighting up opponents from everywhere on the court. His three point shooting is what seemed most attractive to the Sixers. He came in right away and started contributing. His offensive skill set gave the team versatility and production. His positive attitude and scholarly mindset set great examples for the younger players. Harris was the final piece to the puzzle.