5 stars the 76ers could target following James Harden trade

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OG Anunoby, Joel Embiid – Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

5 stars the 76ers could target following Harden trade

2. OG Anunoby — SF/PF (Toronto Raptors)

Calling OG Anunoby a star may be quite the stretch conventionally speaking, but he’s long been one of the more highly sought-after commodities in the league as one of the best players in the 3-and-D zeitgeist.

Anunoby survived another year filled with trade rumors last season, but that’s unlikely to stop anytime soon. Potentially approaching free agency next year, he could find himself out of Toronto soon, and the Philadelphia 76ers should definitely inquire about the Raptors’ asking price for him.

Like Bridges, Anunoby is an elite defender, having just been named to the All-Defensive Team last season despite Toronto’s middling finish. His profile is centered on his defensive prowess, but he also showed a lot of growth as a scoring threat last year, posting above-average shooting clips across the board and thriving as a tertiary option on the Raptors.

With PJ Tucker gone and the 76ers having some unknowns as his potential replacements, Anunoby would provide much-needed security for the team not only on defense, but also in the more glamorous end of the floor. That would allow Philly to have someone to throw at the Tatums and Giannises of the world while not shedding their potency on offense.

Fortunately, the 26-year-old should be a lot cheaper than Bridges. Should the Sixers strike out on their flashier targets, Anunoby should be atop their whiteboard.