Predicting the Sixers rotation after the James Harden trade
Bench Unit
Guards
Patrick Beverley
In his first 3 appearances with the Sixers, Beverley has already shown some of that grit and toughness that you have come to expect. Given their current roster construction, Beverley is undoubtedly the point guard off the bench for the Sixers.
Jaden Springer
While still very inexperienced, Springer has provided Sixers fans with a couple of highlight reel moments in this young season. The 21-year-old had only appeared in 18 NBA games coming into this season. Springer will absolutely be competing for minutes as the season continues and will certainly have opportunities to earn a more defined role on this team as the season progresses.
Wings
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre Jr. had about as good a team debut as you could’ve asked for. Oubre scored 27 points and knocked down 5 threes in the season-opening loss in Milwaukee. The NBA journeyman will find himself being a key contributor for this team on a nightly basis whether he is inserted into the starting lineup or coming off the bench. Oubre adds an element to the Sixers bench unit that they have been missing for some time.
Robert Covington
A bit of a journeyman himself, Covington is returning to Philadelphia where he was last a part of this team as a 28-year-old early on in the 2018-2019 season. In his career, Covington is a 36.2% shooter from 3-point territory. Covington looks to carve himself out a role as a contributor off the bench in his return to Philadelphia as a member of the 76ers.
Nicolas Batum
Batum is an NBA Veteran who has spent time in Portland, Charlotte, and Los Angeles throughout his career. Now a member of the Sixers, the soon-to-be 35-year-old will be battling for minutes amongst the other forwards on this roster. In 78 appearances last season, Batum averaged 6 points per game and shot over 39% from downtown.
Kenyon Martin Jr.
The high-flying KJ Martin will help to bolster the Sixers bench unit. Martin spent his first 3 seasons in the NBA as a member of the Houston Rockets where he averaged over 12 points per game a season ago. Like Batum, look for Martin as one of the players fighting for minutes off the bench.
Danuel House Jr.
House Jr. remains a Sixer though he has seen limited action this season. Will the acquisitions of some new forwards cause Danuel House Jr. to see even fewer minutes?
Furkan Korkmaz
Another individual who remains with the Sixers following this deal centered around James Harden is Furkan Korkmaz. Like House Jr., Korkmaz has seen limited action so far this season.
Bigs
Paul Reed
While we have not seen Joel Embiid and Paul Reed on the floor together, it is clear that early on in the season Coach Nurse is set on Paul Reed being the backup big man to Joel Embiid. Expect Reed’s role to remain the same following this trade.
Mo Bamba
In the young season, Bamba has appeared for just 2 minutes of game time. With the new acquisitions, the question remains as to whether or not Bamba will continue to be the odd man out.
The Road Ahead
The Sixers’ upcoming schedule has them playing games at home against Toronto, Phoenix, and Washington.
Thursday, November 2 | Toronto Raptors | 7pm ET
Saturday, November 4 | Phoenix Suns | 1pm ET
Monday, November 6 | Washington Wizards | 7pm ET
