With the All-Star break now over, the Philadelphia 76ers are now rejuvenated. They can now look forward to the upcoming stretch run where they could improve their positioning ahead of their return to the playoffs. But for now, the roster can still get a lot better by fixing some of the holes that continue to plague them. Fortunately, they have the necessary tools to usher those desired additions in.
As the roster currently stands, the 76ers only have 14 players on standard deals (counting the recently acquired Cameron Payne). Their three two-way spots have been all filled up, although they have room for one more player on the regular roster thanks to the quiet exit of Charles Bassey, whom the team did not retain after a couple of 10-day deals.
Many thought that their signing of Payne is the end of it all for the 76ers brain trust. However, with another roster spot available for taking, the front office still has an opportunity to add another player who can help their chase for a better playoff spot.
The 76ers have to take advantage and make full use of their open roster spot
Despite their recent signing, the 76ers could still use some more help in the backcourt. Playmaking remains a point of concern for this squad and they could certainly use someone who can help organize them in the halfcourt. Tyrese Maxey, who has led the league in minutes per game so far, could also benefit from having a reliable backup.
Alternatively, the 76ers can load up on their forward rotation. With Paul George still suspended, a tweener who can play both the 3 and 4 will help balance the roster even more and bring some much-needed size to bolster Nick Nurse’s switchy defensive schemes.
The front office can even go with a three-point shooter to man the final roster spot. The 76ers are a mediocre group from three-point territory, and that cannot be the case if they want to elevate their ceiling in the postseason when teams get smarter on the defensive end about conceding shots they are not comfortable with.
Clearly, the 76ers front office can still do a lot of things and bring in some much-needed upgrades to the roster just by having another roster spot open. And with the buyout market expected to be teeming with options sooner than later, it is basically incumbent upon them to make this opportunity count.