The Philadelphia 76ers have had a memorable slate so far in the preseason, While both of their outings cumlinated in blowout losses to the Knicks, the team will still be returning to their home soil in high spirits after taking part in the league’s annual preseason games abroad, which were held in Abu Dhabi this year.
Still, the 76ers have business to take care of. They have a couple of preseason contests remaining on their schedule before the regular season finally opens, giving them enough opportunity to test out some more with lineups and rotations and ramping up the activities of players who have yet to sniff the hardwood.
But aside from that, the front office remains incentivized to take a close look at what is going on in the preseason, even those not involving them at all. There are still players out there looking for their next NBA homes, and if luck would have it, the 76ers could chance upon someone whom they never expect to be available for taking.
Case in point? Look no further than former All-Star guard Victor Oladipo, who showed out in his most recent appearance against the San Antonio Spurs.
The 76ers should consider pursuing Victor Oladipo
The Spurs hosted to Guangzhou Loong Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association for their foremost preseason game, and as expected, Victor Wembanyama stole the show, nearly registering a triple double in just 16 minutes of gameplay. In his first game back since his sophomore year got cut short due to blood clots, the young phenom reasserted his name.
However, he was not the only Victor who stood out. Oladipo, whom most people did not even know was rostered with the Lions, ended the contest with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and five blocks, looking really healthy this time around.
Fans quickly lobbied to their respective teams to considering picking the former All-Star up, and perhaps the 76ers should do exactly that. While Oladipo does not feel an immediate need position-wise, he does bring a lot more to the table than, say, Eric Gordon or Kyle Lowry.
Oladipo, best known for his All-Star days in Indiana, has missed the last couple of season due to his nagging knee issues. Since then, he was remained in workout mode, refusing to retire, although he did join ESPN as an analyst last year.
But with Oladipo now slated to play in China, the 76ers should perhaps toy with the idea of bringing him in, if only to help the team for the meantime due to the absence of Jared McCain. He would also be bringing with him ample experience as a high-level guard in the NBA, which would benefit the likes of McCain and VJ Edgecombe.
Daryl Morey loves name-hunting anyway, and with Oladipo not expected to be anywhere close to being an expensive get, it would not hurt for the 76ers to at least consider it.