Sixers lack legit point guard depth heading into 2021-22 season

On the surface, it appears that the Philadelphia 76ers have solid point guard depth. Ben Simmons is an elite defender and playmaker, Tyrese Maxey is a legit spark plug of scoring and continues to get better, and Shake Milton is a combo guard who isn’t a bad option as a third point guard on the depth chart for the Sixers.

However, the 76ers aren’t in a regular situation with it appearing the union between Simmons and the franchise is coming to an end. This will eventually have to end with Simmons being traded, but this could get worse before it gets better between the Sixers and the All-Star point guard.

Working under the assumption that things do in fact get worse, Philly’s depth at the point guard goes from good to bad in an instant. Especially now that the team decided to move on from George Hill in free agency.

There’s concern about the Sixers point guard depth.

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I recently wrote about how the relationship between Simmons and the Sixers could get worse. That included speculation that Simmons could come into training camp late and out of shape or possibly just not show up at all.

If that worst-case scenario does occur, then the 76ers are rather thin at their playmaking position. I’ve been on board with Tyrese Maxey being the point guard of the future, but there’s a legit question of if he’s ready yet or if he’s ready to be a starter for a contending team.

Then of course there is Milton, who was once thought to be a team’s sixth man. However, after a bad season shooting and minus one half of playoff play of good play, Milton might not even be in the rotation at the start of next season.

Unless the team trades Simmons for another point guard, like say Damian Lillard, then the point guard position could be a weak spot for Philly. Even if a Lillard trade happens, it might cost both Simmons and Maxey, which would leave Milton to backup Lillard if that were the case.

For now, at least it appears that the Sixers roster is set, but if the front office is smart then they might want to make room to add another veteran point guard before the start of next season.