Playmaking has been one of the more pressing concerns for the Philadelphia 76ers in the last couple of years. Since trading James Harden, the team has had a shortage of natural playmakers who can be relied on to organize them in the halfcourt. Sure, Tyrese Maxey has made significant strides as a table-setter, but off the bench, they still do not have a proven floor general who can keep the offense run more smoothly.
Fortunately for the 76ers, they might just be able to snag one in the trade market without really paying much, if at all. The Cavaliers, after receiving Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in the De’Andre Hunter trade, are now a near-guarantee to trade Lonzo Ball. The former second overall pick is not the odd man out in Cleveland, and as such, he is ripe to get shipped before the deadline.
Ball’s shooting numbers have not looked good this season — there is really no disputing that. However, even in view of the fact that he is shooting a ghastly 29.9 percent from the field and 26.9 percent from three-point range, he is a natural playmaker who should be good enough to round out the 76ers bench, which has been unreliable since last season.
The 76ers should trade for Lonzo Ball to fix their playmaking woes
Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes are the main guards on the second unit, but both of them do not profile as natural point guards. They are score-first backcourt cogs who would be better off playing with someone who can man the playmaking duties while not compromising size on the defensive end.
Ball exactly fits the bill of someone who can handle the rock, make plays for his teammates, and defend opposing guards. His natural feel as a floor general remains intact, and despite his injuries, his size allows him to offer more resistance on defense.
The Cavs now have a surplus of guards off the bench, so trading Ball is definitely in play for them. In return, they will probably not be asking for much aside from a second-round pick, which makes him a very attainable trade target for Philly.
As passable as the 76ers have been when it comes to filling their playmaking void by committee, a real point guard will benefit this bunch. And while he is no longer the all-around savant he once was due to injuries, Lonzo Ball can still be more than serviceable as a floor general off the bench.