The Philadelphia 76ers have a long list of questions to answer in the upcoming offseason. After this disastrous campaign, which should be over in just a flash, the front office has to do whatever it takes to right the ship from up top and give the squad a better fighting chance to at least stay relevant next season.
Whether that comes from drafting well or making some sneaky good moves in free agency, the 76ers have to make the most out of every opportunity to make changes to the roster or the team’s dynamic. After all, this team is still too good on paper to just collapse entirely.
Having said that, the reality of the situation is that the 76ers do not have full control over things in the offseason. Aside from their still-dicey situation in the draft lottery, a handful of their players have player options they can pick up to remain on the team — something that the front office simply cannot gloss over as they plot their strategy for the summer.
The 76ers will probably already part ways with Andre Drummond
One of the players being referred to who has full control over his stay with the 76ers, at least until the offseason, is Andre Drummond. Philly signed him to a two-year deal during last years’ spending spree in free agency, giving him a player option he can exercise in Year 2.
In all likelihood, Drummond will most probably pick up his player options to return to the 76ers next season. After the campaign he turned in, there is honestly not a huge market for his services.
Having said that, Philadelphia will also most likely try to part ways with the veteran anyway if he exercises his option to return. This season, Drummond was pegged as someone who can keep the team afloat when Joel Embiid is sidelined, yet what has transpired has been a complete reversal of that projection.
Averaging 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, it would seem that Drummond is just playing like his usual self. But in reality, he has drastically declined on two crucial departments — finishing plays and protecting the rim. To make matters worse, he has also been afflicted by the injury bug.
Aside from his rebounding, Drummond has been nowhere near as impactful as hoped for, which is pretty disappointing given that he is only a season removed from posting one of the most impressive individual seasons off the bench in his last year in Chicago.
Looking at this, the Philadelphia 76ers should instead funnel all his minutes to someone who boasts more promise, like Adem Bona. After all, the former All-Star center is not getting any younger, and his trend of play is indubitably going down.