The 2023-24 Philadelphia 76ers had many ups and downs, especially after Joel Embiid went down with a knee injury in January. The MVP required surgery to repair a meniscus tear and was unable to play until the waning moments of the regular season, resulting in the team's demotion from their former peak position in the East.
After an early first-round playoff exit, the 76ers will have to look at the possibility of bringing in a player that can cover for the 2023 MVP when there's a need to sit him. There is not expected to be a wide variety of centers in the market that could be potential candidates for the backup center spot in a title contender.
Count on the 76ers to aggressively tap into the big man market in free agency
The 76ers' primary offseason objective is to acquire a third superstar to play alongside Embiid and Maxey. However, building a strong bench also should be a priority for them considering that the team's second unit struggled in the postseason. Bringing in a player that could compliment your injury-prone superstar center must be a priority.
When they picked Embiid in the 2013 NBA Draft, Philadelphia knew the risks that were involved in building around him. The Cameroonian center missed the first two seasons of his career due to injury, and he struggled to remain healthy for a full season throughout the years.
In any case, his unprecedented talent put those concerns at rest, but the front office needs to bring a top-notch backup to help their superstar center remain healthy.
Isaiah Hartenstein could be the perfect backup big for the 76ers
Isaiah Hartenstein is having one of the best seasons of his career in New York and he's a crucial piece of the Knicks backup unit. The former Rockets big man has shown that he's a great center to have on your team due to the hustle and grit he plays with. The 25-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer after two very productive years in the Big Apple.
The Knicks might opt to cash in their current squad by offering a lucrative extension deal to Hartenstein. However, the Knicks will need to preserve most of their cap flexibility to keep priced free agent OG Anunoby on the team. So, the Philadelphia 76ers might come in with a strong offer to strip their Conference rivals from some valuable depth.
Hartenstein is an A-plus rebounder and a massive presence around the rim. He was part of the reason the Sixers lost the rebounding battle to New York during their recent classic back-and-forth playoff contests. That said, his physicality will help the Sixers become more efficient on both ends of the floor and benefit from productive minutes when Embiid is not on the floor.
The German-American big has averaged 6.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists through 157 games with the New York Knicks. He will definitely demand a salary increase after signing a two-year-$17 million deal in 2022 and the 76ers might have the chance to deliver a blow to an Eastern Conference rival.
A former Sixer could return to become a valuable asset in championship hunt
The Philadelphia 76ers might decide to spend big bucks in other position so they potential of acquiring Hartenstein becomes bleak. In that case, the Chicago Bulls upcoming free agent and former Sixer Andre Drummond might be the direction the team could go. The championship window is becoming narrower and narrower, and Drummond is what the Sixers need behind Embiid.
Drummond played for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2021-22 season, and he was by far the best backup they had during Embiid's career. I did not understand fully why the team did not bring him back considering that he was signed to a deal worth around six million for two seasons in the summer of 2022. He set a career-high in REB% the last two seasons, and was one of the best offensive rebounders in the game this season, per NBA.com.
When he was in Philadelphia, Drummond was sent to Brooklyn mid-season as part of the James Harden deal. Being an NBA All-Star earlier in his career, Drummond is the perfect candidate for the backup center role registering just 10 starts in Chicago.
He might be in for a return in Philadelphia, with the 76ers having a potentially bigger role to offer him considering that Embiid will miss games. Drummond remains one of the best rebounders around the league registering an average of almost eight rebounds in less than 16 minutes through 146 games with the Bulls.
Mason Plumlee could be the bargain signing the 76ers could pursue this offseason
There aren't many options that could fit the mold for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, but the franchise cannot wait anymore. They will have to go all-in, and they will have towards the goal of winning an NBA title in more than 40 years. Mason Plumlee is the next available free agent that the Sixers could sign.
If things do not work out in a potential deal for Drummond or even Hartenstein, then the Clippers' center could be a reliable source of backup center minutes for a contending team. Plumlee had some injury struggles during his tenure in LA, but he appeared in 46 games this past season helping the Clippers land a top-4 finish in the Western Conference.
He averaged 5.3 points and 5.1 rebounds getting around 15 minutes per game this year. He signed an 1-year/ $5 million deal last summer, but he could be available for less this offseason considering the fact that he had some ups and downs due to injuries. If other cases do not pan out, then the veteran center can provide much needed paint protection and rebounding.
Plumlee is also a great passer for his size posting an average of 2.4 assists throughout his 11-year NBA career. In any case, he could help the second unit move the ball more consistently when Embiid is out, adding an extra layer to the Sixers offense.