While the Philadelphia 76ers prioritized star power when NBA free agency fired up, they knew they needed to improve the bench at the same time.
Within the first few days of free agency, the Sixers added the standout guard Anfernee Simons after his split season with the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls. A few weeks later, the Sixers landed a commitment from the veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Both players have served roles as starters in the NBA over time. Simons started 218 of his 444 appearances. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has 784 starts under his belt in 963 games. If the Sixers wanted to roll either of them out with the starting five, they could feel comfortable doing so.
But heading into the 2026-2027 NBA season, both veterans made their mindset clear--they are more than willing to embrace an opportunity to star in a role with the Sixers' second unit.
Anfernee Simons maintains a confidence
“Obviously you got the ultimate like that confidence in yourself that you feel like you’re a starter," Simons said on Cousins with Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter.
"You know, obviously the role is different. You know, you might be coming off the bench, but my mindset going into the game is I’ve already competed at a high level with starters, and it’s going to be just even easier for me when I come into the game, you know what I mean? Playing against second units.”
Simons spent seven seasons with the Blazers, starting in more than half of his games there. He averaged 15.0 points and 3.3 assists over time. When he got to Boston and Chicago, that's when the bench role came about. Simons produced averages of 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while playing with the Celtics' second unit.
KCP sets a big goal
Simons is confident, but KCP is ultra-confident. The two-time NBA champion is not only embracing a role as a bench player, but he's got goals of winning Sixth Man of the Year.
“I ain’t got to start. I want to be Sixth Man of the Year anyway," Caldwell-Pope said on The Dawg Talk podcast. “For me, it’s not personal. I’m coming in to give my team 110%. You know KCP—I’m going to do that—each and every night I’m going to be available. Let the young fella [VJ Edgecombe] start. I want to be Sixth Man."
So far, the Sixers are hearing all of the right things from all of the new additions. Joining a team that's stacked with stars, it's not always easy for organizations to get everybody to buy into their role if there is some level of sacrifice involved. When it comes to key reserves like Caldwell-Pope and Simons, the Sixers seem to be in great shape.
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