As stated numerous times already, the Philadelphia 76ers are going to be on the hunt for some more reinforcements to their big man rotation this summer. Armed with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, the front office can afford to go after a more proven option at center in order to upgrade their subpar group of backups to Joel Embiid.
So far, names like Mitchell Robinson and Jock Landale, among others, have been floated around as possible targets for the 76ers. However, Philly can actually zoom in on Kevon Looney, who had just parted with the Pelicans, as an equally solid, yet considerably cheaper option. After all, this is a battle-tested veteran who can give the team a lift in the rebounding department.
A three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, Looney only suited up in 21 outings this past season for New Orleans. However, if there is one thing he is still really good at, it is rebounding. In just under 15 minutes per game, he averaged nearly six rebounds a night while playing banged up for basically the entire year.
The 76ers could turn to Kevon Looney in free agency as a more affordable option
Aside from crashing the boards, especially on the offensive glass, Looney is also a seamless operator in other parts of the game. He is a very effective screener, having ample experience doing so when he was still with the Warriors. His passing is also good for a big man, allowing him to find open shooters after securing offensive rebounds and getting into dribble handoff actions.
Sure, it can be argued that Looney will not be much of an upgrade over, say, Adem Bona or Johni Broome, but unlike those two, he is a more foolproof option. He does not get lost like a deer in the headlights, and his veteran presence would be a welcome addition.
Going for a more affordable option like Looney might appear as if the 76ers are backing down from their self-imposed edict to improve the roster no matter the cost, but there are simply more pressing departments where the front office should spend whatever financial leeway they have.
Of course, the team could make a straightforward decision and spend big on a backup center, but the work does not end there. The 76ers still need depth insurance, and for what is expected to be a puny price tag, Kevon Looney is definitely worth taking a closer look at.
Add us as a preferred source on Google