Fans and pundits alike probably already have their own entrenched predictions when it comes to what the Philadelphia 76ers strating unit will look like next season, but given the amount of ugly things that have already transpired for the team well before their campaign even starts, all guessworks and prognostications are as good as moot.
While that leaves a lot of uncertainty for the team next season, it can also be seen in a positive light. Entering training camp, the 76ers coaching staff will have a lot of leeway to experiment with lineup combinations that could work, especially in the opening group. This becomes all the more important given that both Joel Embiid and Paul George could miss the start of the season.
But even with those two in the equation, Philly has a huge question mark at the power forward position. Last season, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Guerschon Yabusele sapped most of the minutes at the 4, but the former is clearly not working as a complementary piece. Meanwhile, the latter has already moved on from the franchise.
As a result, Nick Nurse and his staff could turn to an unexpected name to start at power forward next season. Enter Trendon Watford.
The 76ers could start Trendon Watford at power forward next season
Watford, whom the 76ers quickly plucked off the market to immediately fill Yabusele’s void, should find himself in the thick of the rotation. However, augmenting his role to that of a starter’s could prove to be a much-needed shocker to jolt the team up on two crucial departments.
First off, Watford is a great energy guy with good size, making him a very workable asset on defense. The 76ers clocked out as one of the worst point-preventing squads last season, and their march back to the playoffs would be impossible if they cannot fix that recurring issue — one built on a glaring lack of size and willingness to do the dirty work.
Second, Watford boasts a richer and more well-rounded game than his counterparts. Not only is he a better defender than, say, Oubre, but he is also a more consistent threat from the perimeter and a good ball mover in general. His skill set is certainly something that will fit well in an ancillary role.
The Philadelphia 76ers have needed a sizeable forward who is willing to put his body on the floor for loose balls while having the smarts to be a factor on both ends for quite some time now. Trendon Watford checks both boxes, and for that reason, the team should seriously consider giving him a prominent role next season.