Sixers free agency 2021: To-do list after quiet first day

Sixers free agency to-do list #3: Find a backup center

There is a fine argument in favor of letting Paul Reed run wild next season, but in the end, the Sixers probably need to invest in a backup center to replace Dwight Howard. It doesn’t need to be a rigidly defined back-to-the-basket center in the same vein as Howard, but at least a legitimate five who can fill the non-Embiid minutes in a manner not actively harmful.

For example, Paul Millsap would be a great name to consider with the mid-level exception. He’s a veteran with a 3-point shot and some defensive versatility, even at his advanced age. Or the Sixers could think more traditional, and pursue a name like Tony Bradley, who excelled with the team in sparse minutes last season.

The backup center spot has killed the Sixers in literally every season since Embiid’s arrival. Even when Al Horford was given $109 million to solve that exact problem, the Sixers could not survive without Embiid on the court. No backup can approximate Embiid’s two-way impact, but a serviceable reserve who doesn’t get washed in the postseason is not too high a demand. There are capable free agents at that position. Morey has to sign one, or strike up a trade.

Beyond Millsap and Bradley, names like Moe Wagner, DeMarcus Cousins, Willy Hernangomez, Taj Gibson, Hassan Whiteside, Robin Lopez, and Frank Kaminsky deserve looks. All those names are minimum contract names. Heck, even Andre Drummond is still floating around somewhere!