Defense remains a problem for the Philadelphia 76ers. While they have taken a clim from their porous turnout on that end from last season, one can hardly call them a rock-solid point-preventing unit. This team still finds itself getting ran out of the gym at times, and their unreliable D at the point of attack is usually at fault.
That is precisely why the 76ers should seriously consider revisiting a trade for Pelicans wing Herbert Jones. An All-Defensive Team member just a couple of seasons ago, the 27-year-old remains one of the most prolific defenders in the league. However, with his on-court value declining this season, New Orleans’ asking price for him could become more modest moving forward — something which the 76ers should closely monitor.
If the Pelicans do make him available for taking — which they will most likely do given their pressing need for a roster turnover — the 76ers should do everything in the power to stick their noses into a prospective bidding war for his services. After all, he has what it takes to elevate this team’s ceiling on the defensive end.
The 76ers should try to trade for Herbert Jones this offseason
The 76ers are 17th in defensive rating as a team, which is something they should try to bolster over the summer. This team has become too content riding on the coattails of its superstars to get them out of holes, and as everyone knows, that is no longer a viable formula to rack up wins in the modern NBA.
Defense is the name of the game for teams with a real shot at the championship. That is precisely why the 76ers, even this early, should already be monitoring the Jones situation in New Orleans, which has quietly become a huge question marks for both camps.
Kelly Oubre has made significant strides as a defender, while Paul George remains a highly reliable player on defense despite his waning efficiency on the other end. But Jones has very little weaknesses on the defensive end and has proven time and time again that he is an elite stopper.
Sure, his offense — most especially his shooting — may have become unsightly this season (38.3 percent from the field and 28.9 percent success rate from the three-point territory), but the 76ers have the necessary pieces to make him a less featured option on the scoring end while increasing his efficiency.
Still, Jones’ body of work as a stopper is more than enough for the 76ers to want to re-explore the idea of obtaining him through a trade. He is simply needed by this group.