The Philadelphia 76ers, just like in previous years, will be on the lookout for more depth to bolster the center position in free agency. One name to look out for is a familiar face in Nikola Vucevic, who was drafted by the franchise 15 years ago and played one season with the team. Turns out, he has become much more attainable than initially expected.
As reported by longtime NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), Vucevic is widely believed to depart from the Celtics this summer. A fractured right ring finger definitely ruined what will end up being a brief stint in Boston, and despite him already being 36 at the start of next season, Stein expects the two-time All-Star to draw interest from teams in need of a floor-spacing center.
The 76ers fit the profile of a team that should want to dip its fingers on the Vucevic "sweepstakes". With Joel Embiid not getting out of his maintenance program anytime soon, the team has no choice but to install a consistently playable big man who can help fill some of the void the former MVP leaves when he is sidelined or resting.
The 76ers could officially target Nikola Vucevic in free agency
Having drained nearly 39 percent of his triples over the last two seasons, Vucevic evidently still has what it takes to be a productive contributor despite his advanced age. His scoring prowess cannot be denied, but his value as a floor-spacing big man alone will net him a contract this summer.
With the Montenegrin not expected to command a hefty price tag anyway, the 76ers should lock in on him as their primary target to shore up the center position. This season, their default option was Andre Drummond. But despite the veteran's surprising surge as a floor-spacer, Vucevic would be a much more reliable option to man the role he filled. Drummond would be better off as a third-string big man.
Sure, there might be real concerns about his defensive acuity, but Vucevic's offerings on the offensive end far outweigh that in the context of what this 76ers squad needs. He remains a tenable option at the post in spurts, and his court awareness is likewise appealing for a team with a slew of shot creators.
NIkola Vucevic going to the 76ers certainly has the makings of a sexy free agency signing. With the pros outweighing the cons, the front office should certainly have him high on their list especially now that he is reckoned to be easily gettable.
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