The Philadelphia 76ers add a point guard via free agency.
In the past, I have written about why the Philadelphia 76ers needed to add more depth at the point guard position. Apparently Sixers’ president of basketball operations Daryl Morey had the same idea as the franchise signed Derrick Walton Jr. to a non-guaranteed one year contract, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Walton is entering his third season in the NBA. He’s played for the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Detroit Pistons in the past. For his career, he’s averaged 2.0 points and 1.0 assist while shooting 41.5 percent from the 3-point line.
To understand his full potential, his college states provide a little more insight. During his senior season, the 6-foot point guard averaged 15.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.1 steals, while converting 42.2 percent from downtown.
What to expect Walton’s role on the Sixers will be.
Walton will be joining a rather interesting point guard depth chart for the 76ers. Ben Simmons is the presumed starter at the position despite being 6-foot-10. The depth behind Simmons is even more unique because there’s no other pure backup point guard on the roster. It appears to be a role by committee approach with Tyrese Maxey, Shake Milton, and Seth Curry all playing a part.
Walton probably won’t be called upon often to contribute, if he makes the team. While Philly probably has one more roster spot available as they presumably will sign Paul Reed to a two-way contract, that doesn’t mean Walton will have it.
His deal isn’t guaranteed and he will be competing with newly re-signed Ryan Broekhoff for that roster spot as well. Regardless it’s safe to assume that Walton will be on the roster for the preseason so he has a chance to make a good impression with head coach Doc Rivers. Even if he doesn’t make the roster, he could still end up on the 76ers’ G-League team, the Delaware Blue Coats this season.
Walton has a chance to make the Philadelphia 76ers’ regular roster because his position is one of need for the franchise.