Without playing a single minute for the Philadelphia 76ers, a narrative is already being formed around Dean Wade. Gearing up for the 2026-2027 NBA season, Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz listed each team's most disrespected hidden gem. For the Sixers, it's Wade.
We won't know how Wade will look in a Sixers uniform until we see him in action. Still, it's hard to debate against the idea that Wade will likely run into some criticism due to the fact that he signed a notable contract this summer.
For the next four years, Wade will collect $38.7 million if he sees the entire contract through. According to Spotrac, the final season has just $1.6 million out of $10.3 million in salary guaranteed.
Wade was the first--and most expensive free agent signing for the Sixers this offseason. So, if his production doesn't rise, get ready for the takes.
The struggles of the power forwards in Philly
The Sixers are built top-heavy. With multiple All-Stars in the starting five over the years, it became difficult for the fourth and fifth options to stand out. Typically, the power forward is under scrutiny.
The 76ers have had some recognizable names at the position over time, for better or for worse. In 2022, the Sixers signed PJ Tucker to a three-year, $33.04 million contract. He made slightly more during his first 76ers season than Wade will.
The numbers were terrible. 3.5 points per game, with 3.9 rebounds. Tucker shot 39.3% from three, but attempted 1.9 of them per game. Still, everybody in the building would praise Tucker's defensive toughness and veteran leadership, especially in the playoffs. The head coach, Nick Nurse, was bummed he got just three games with him in 2023-2024.
In the following season, the Sixers added Nic Batum in the trade that Tucker was involved in to get to the Los Angeles Clippers. That year, Batum made $11.7 million. He saw the other side of it, where his 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 39.9% shooting from three were supported by the fan base.
These are two examples of what Wade could end up looking like when he goes through his first season with the 76ers.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2025-2026, Wade shot 36.2% from three, averaging 5.8 points per game. He also produced 4.2 rebounds per game and 1.5 assists per game.
No player who steps on the court is free of criticism. I assure you, Wade will hear it from Philly fans and media if he's truly underperforming.
But know that he won't "jump off the page." Especially while sharing the court with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid.
"The veteran forward doesn't force shots and does all the dirty work that allows the stars around him to shine," Swartz wrote in his piece. "He's a perfect fit on a Sixers team that will have a lot of mouths to feed."
Keep this in mind while watching the 2026-2027 Sixers.
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