Philadelphia 76ers need point guard depth due to injuries

For most of this season, the focus has been on the Philadelphia 76ers’ depth at the center spot, and rightfully so. The franchise didn’t do a great job of adding quality players to back up Joel Embiid this season, however, that’s not what this article will be focused on.

Instead, the issue that Sixers are now experiencing is the lack of depth at the point guard position. That’s hard to say considering that they are two All-Star caliber players at the position in James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. However, the injury bug has exposed the weak support both playmakers have behind them.

The Philadelphia 76ers need to add another point guard to their roster.

Harden has been out for several weeks due to a foot injury and Tyrese Maxey has sustained an ankle injury in Philly’s recent matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 76ers have enough depth to survive an injury to one of their top two guards, but not both.

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Shake Milton is a quality third guard to have on the roster, but now he’s in a position where he has to start. He’s more of a combo guard so he’s not the ideal player for that role due to the injuries. De’Anthony Melton is also a combo guard, but he’s less able to create for others than Milton.

The Sixers are also without their emergency point guard option sharp shooter Furkan Korkmaz is also out due to injury. Both of Philly’s two-way players are forwards Julian Champagnie and Michael Foster Jr. Luckily for the 76ers, they have an open roster spot.

That open roster can help them land a veteran point guard in the free-agent pool. There’s no point to sign an unproven player as head coach Doc Rivers has proven not to trust young players not named Tyrese Maxey.

The Philadelphia 76ers have options in the free agent market such as Eric Bledsoe, Trey Burke, Avery Bradley, Elfrid Payton, or another player not mentioned. Regardless of who they decided to sign, they need to sign someone, especially if Maxey is going to miss significant time.