The Philadelphia 76ers have yet to make any addition to the roster after the trade deadline. While it is certainly not a requirement, given that the front office has only made subtractions so far, one would think that they would eventually sign some new faces to bolster their playoff run. Instead, they have largely stood pat, and there are no indications that they will start doing the contrary.
One player they easily could have taken a flier on is former Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan, who entered the buyout market just recently. The 76ers could have definitely used another rangy forward, but as has been the case, they simply allowed him to get snagged by another ball club — the Knicks, of all teams.
New York has reportedly inked Sochan to a deal for the rest of the season, arming them with another power forward, but someone who actually has a shot to crack their rotation. Things did not work out for former 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (who is now with the Bulls), so the Knicks are taking their chances at another European.
The 76ers should have gone after Jeremy Sochan
The upstart Spurs parted with their former lottery pick not because he was a subpar player. In reality, the fit was just too funky around Victor Wembanyama that there was no other way to go but to cut ties with him and allow him to test the open market.
There is a lot to like about Sochan’s game. His defensive acuity is his best trait, as he can guard 1 through 4 and also handle smaller big men. Offensively, his three-point shot has not developed at all, but he is a capable initiator on the secondary who can find open guys. he also has an uncanny ability in cutting through open lanes to make himself available. Rebounding is also a strength of his.
With the 76ers missing Paul George, Sochan would have allowed them to have a stopgap option at forward who even has a chance of staying in the loop beyond this season. If anything, this team needs players who will not cost an arm and a leg to keep, and Sochan certainly fits that bill given how much his play declined this season.
Of course, there is no use crying over spilled milk. Hence, it is now incumbent upon the 76ers front office to start making some moves to fill out the roster, especially with the playoff race getting heated after the All-Star break.