Philadelphia 76ers need veteran point guard for 2021-22 season

Thus far in training camp, the Philadelphia 76ers have been relying on Tyrese Maxey as their starting point guard and Shake Milton as their backup. This is due to Ben Simmons is holding out from training camp in order to get traded.

While the Sixers have held the stance that they want Simmons to return to the team, per Keith Pompey of The Inquirer. However, they need to be properly prepared in the event he doesn’t come back. Until he does return or he gets traded, the 76ers should add a veteran point guard to this young group of playmakers.

Philadelphia 76ers need a veteran point guard on the roster.

Besides Maxey and Milton, the Sixers also have second year player Grant Riller on a two-way contract and journeyman Shaquille Harrison on a training camp deal. Harrison has never been a consistent starter and the same can be said of Riller. The need for a veteran who has been a long-term starter is important for these young guys who need someone to learn from.

To be clear, if Philly does decide to add a veteran playmaker, they would have to waive or trade a player as they currently have a full roster. Charles Bassey would be the ideal candidate to move on considering the solid depth at center currently on the roster. They could waive Bassey or trade him for another point guard, although free agency would be the cheaper route for the 76ers.

The difficult aspect of this isn’t making the roster spot but finding a quality veteran to come in and mentor this young group. Isaiah Thomas is the biggest name on the market, but if they sign him, they might feel pressure to play him which might backfire if he can’t stay healthy. Another option would be Jeff Teague who just won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, however, he’s well past his prime so they can’t rely on him for heavy minutes if the need arises.

It’s a clear need the Philadelphia 76ers need a veteran to help mentor the young point guards in Simmons’ absence, but obtaining one could be a little tricky for the franchise.