The Philadelphia 76ers have more than a handful of impending free agents this summer, which opens a huge door for a possible roster turnover. However, one player whom most fans think will be gone this offseason is actually not even technically a free agent in Jabari Walker, who did not have a major role for the team this season.
Walker's deal for next season is only guaranteed for $250,000, which makes it not difficult to cut ties with him. However, as NBA analyst Sam Vecenie pointed out, the 76ers could be better off keeping him on the roster anyway as a depth piece given the amount of players who might end up leaving for greener pastures in free agency.
One of the newcomers in Philly from last year's free agency, Walker was a serviceable third-string big man for the 76ers. He suited up in all but 18 games for the team this season, averaging 4.3 points and three rebounds per outing in just under 12 minutes a night. He started the campaign on a two-way deal, but his gritty play managed to get him a standard NBA contract.
The 76ers should just keep Jabari Walker to shore up their depth in the frontcourt
Given the fact that Walker is quite limited skill-wise and his deal is far from being fully guaranteed, it is easy to make the prognosis that his fate is headed toward a murky end this summer. However, it does feel more prudent if the front office were to exercise patience and simply make the most straightforward choice –– keeping him.
To Walker's credit, despite his lack of acuity as an offensive player, he can be pretty useful in certain situations, especially against teams with smaller and quicker personnel. Despite being undersized for a nominal big man, he is very good at chasing down rebounds. His defense is stable enough that he can latch onto different players. His 33.7 percent three-point shooting leaves a lot to be desired, but it is workable at the very least.
The fact that he will not be banked on to register heavy minutes also militates against the thick piece about the 76ers simply casting him away. Given this team's track record with injuries, it helps to have end of the bench guys who can come in and play right away without giving the coaching staff an anxiety attack. Walker is definitely someone who has enough experience to fill that role.
For these reasons, the 76ers might as well just keep Jabari Walker. That might not harp a pleasant tune for the ambitious section of the fanbase, but it is a rational choice given what the front office is working with this summer.
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