5 Under-the-radar free agents the 76ers should sign this offseason

5 Under-the-radar free agents the 76ers should sign this offseason

4. Jalen Smith — PF/C

After trading for Pascal Siakam (and also trading for the non-vain hope of resigning him for max-level salary), the Indiana Pacers have essentially committed to paying a premium for their roster that’s rapidly becoming costly. That means that they will have to streamline their payroll and let go of some of their free agents for nothing.

One casualty in that regard could be Jalen Smith, who’s emerged as one of the better bench players in the league from his position. Indiana has renewed depth on the big men positions, so while his value cannot be denied, the Pacers can certainly afford to pass up on engaging him for a new deal.

A bona fide stretch five who can also play power forward in bigger configurations, Smith is an above average finisher with a nifty touch from the perimeter, as proven by his 61.2 percent shooting overall which includes a blistering 44.3 percent conversion rate from three-point range. He can spearhead a bench unit as a rim running center, or hypothetically slot in next to Embiid as a floor-stretcher. Overall, he’s someone whom the 76ers should monitor in free agency.