4. Xavier Tillman could be the Embiid backup the team needs
Speaking of third-stringers, there probably isn’t a big argument against the 76ers emphasizing big man depth in free agency. Paul Reed, one of their holdovers from last season, struggled mightily with consistency, and Philadelphia’s brass will likely look into avenues to let him go and further bolster the team’s spending power.
Another big man the team should look at is Xavier Tillman, a four-year journeyman who was sent to the Celtics midway through the season after more than three years in Memphis. He’s currently riding the bench for star-studded Boston, but his Grizzlies tenure is a great teller of his high impact, even as an undersized center.
Tillman was a consistent part of Memphis’ rotation for three seasons, thanks in large part to his mobility and defensive activity. His struggles as a finisher have been well-documented, but he makes up for it with his great court sense and ability to guard perimeter players.