After the Philadelphia 76ers made the questionable decision to sanction the departure of Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the franchise's roster is one injury crisis away from a catastrophic problem in the guard position. Fortunately, free agency can help provide a short-term solution. That solution comes in the mould of former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball.
After being shipped to the Utah Jazz from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade that also involved the Atlanta Hawks, Ball finds himself dipping his toe into free agency. His new employers eventually waived the 29-year-old, providing the Sixers with the perfect opportunity to correct a backcourt problem they cast upon themselves.
Lonzo Ball to the Sixers provides much-needed depth
Whether Philadelphia wants to admit it or not, a flurry of injuries would force the franchise's hand to heavily include Kyle Lowry in the squad's rotation. Given that this is far from the championship-winning veteran that head coach Nick Nurse once had at his disposal, the 76ers must make a proactive move before this vision becomes a reality.
It cannot be denied that Lonzo Ball has struggled to make the required impact, not only in Cleveland but throughout his career, which would have cemented him as the top talent many experts once perceived him to be in his collegiate days. Persistent injury issues and a lack of consistency with his performances have hindered his career so far. Nevertheless, with the Sixers' lack of ambition throughout the NBA trade window, this is the pool of players the front office must delve into.
Taking a risk of this scale may not be ideal for the 76ers; however, Ball has shown in his days with the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls that he can positively impact games, which will be essential as Philadelphia makes one last postseason push.
Over his career, the former UCLA guard has averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. What these statistics do highlight is his ability to contribute in every aspect of the game, and most importantly, as a ball facilitator. Tyrese Maxey's development as a playmaker has been phenomenal, but acquiring a player who can come off the bench and allow the electric guard to focus on shooting the ball would prove beneficial.
This acquisition may not be an attractive prospect for the 76ers' fan base. Although now that the trade deadline has passed, the reality of the situation is that Lonzo Ball is the most promising option left on the free agency list. Again, the Sixers' front office was either too slow or uninterested in signing Cam Thomas on a short-term contract, as he was picked up by the Milwaukee Bucks in recent days.
Options are running thin for the Philadelphia 76ers. If general manager Daryl Morey does not act soon, the franchise's hopes of a deep playoff run could be totally decimated.