The Philadelphia 76ers are definitely going to be aggressive in pursuing more reinforcements at the center position this season. Ironically, them ducking the luxury tax entitles them to some more spending power in the open market, placing them in position to go after some of the more high-end role players in free agency.
One of the big men whom the front office should take a hard look at is Robert Williams III, who played for the Portland Trail Blazers in the recently concluded season. However, it seems like the 76ers might not be alone on that island if they do show interest in him as market rumors suggest that the Celtics are quietly preparing for a reunion scenario with Williams.
The 28-year-old averaged 6.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for Portland in just a hair above 17 minutes a night, showcasing his ability to be a consistent double-double machine and an effective rim protector despite his rather limited playing time. Even better, he managed to hone his perimeter shot, having drained 39 percent of his threes, albeit on very low volume.
The Celtics could steal an ideal 76ers free agent target in Robert Williams
Joel Embiid proved to everyone that he is still an elite player when healthy, but the latter phrase is controlling here. There is no guarantee that he can play on a nightly basis, which makes it all the more imperative for the front office to chase a more proven option to spell him off the bench and start when needed.
Williams, who will be entering his ninth year in the league, is one of the best big men the 76ers can afford with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. At his best, he is one of the most impactful rim deterrents in the league, having already gotten an All-Defensive Team nod a few years back.
Defensive rebounding and rim protection are two areas where the 76ers are lacking, and Time Lord can definitely supply them a healthy dose of such. He figures to be a much better version of Adem Bona, who is simply way too undisciplined to be counted on in high-stakes situations.
If anything, this only goes to show that while the 76ers are equipped with some financial ammo, they cannot afford to be complacent with respect to their possible free agent targets. The other teams around them are up and running, and resting on their laurels will get them nowhere.
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