An unreliable cast and an untimely off game from Joel Embiid in Game 5 with the team down 3-1 almost booted the Philadelphia 76ers out of the playoffs. Fortunately, Tyrese Maxey exploded for 46 points, sending the series back to Philly with the chance to force a win-or-go-home Game 7.
One of the most notable absences from the 76ers’ side in the series is Buddy Hield, who’s been a total non-factor after a productive stint with the team since the trade deadline. Now out of Nick Nurse’s rotation, he’s also become an unlikely returnee for next season.
As a result, Philadelphia’s front office should look into replacing Hield in free agency. Here are four players they can target to take his place next season.
Malik Monk could give the 76ers a more consistent and all-around second-unit weapon
Regardless if Philadelphia manages to pluck that third star they’ve been salivating about, it’s clear as day that the 76ers badly need to ameliorate their second unit. That’s become a point of exploitation for them in the playoffs, where Hield’s disappearing act has singlehandedly forced Nurse to trim down an already short rotation.
Enter Malik Monk, the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award this season. Despite posting his best season yet, Sacramento is far from a guarantee to re-sign him as they are expected to overhaul their roster after a disappointing campaign. If so, the 76ers should immediately come knocking at his door.
One of the best pick-and-roll operators in the league, Monk is a potent second-unit mercenary who can handle lengthy playmaking loads while functioning as a reliable shot creator himself on all three levels. He can play both guard positions, and his defense has improved to a point where he’s now playable on that end.
Former All-Star Klay Thompson could offer more positional versatility for Philadelphia
Klay Thompson had the worst possible way to end a lengthy tenure with his team when he turned in a fat egg in their season-ending loss to the Kings in the play-in tournament. Now, the jury is a bit sour on the prospect of him returning to Golden State, and the former All-Star should be considered as a pretty obtainable option for teams with cap space.
Despite his decline this season from an offensive standpoint, the 76ers have a reasonable place for him on the roster, as long as there won’t be any price gouging involved in acquiring him. He was actually very productive when realigned to a bench role midway through the season, and overall, he projects as someone who can thrive on an environment where he’s not a primary or even a secondary option.
Perhaps the biggest edge Thompson has over Hield, of course, is his championship pedigree as one of the most battle-tested veterans in the league. Furthermore, the former offers a ton more positional versatility than the latter — a department which the 76ers will have to address in light of Kelly Oubre Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Tobias Harris’ potential and/or likely departures.
Luke Kennard could just be the pure sharpshooter the 76ers need
Memphis had the worst injury luck in the NBA this season, which was the prime impetus behind them finishing at the bottom of the standings after being an elite team in the last couple of years. And while keeping their core intact would be a justified move, it’s much safer for them to at least rework the roster, at least on the margins.
And for them to free up more cap space, they could be forced to decline their club option on Luke Kennard who, despite another productive campaign, bears constant risk of injury. In that case, the 76ers should pounce on that opportunity and lo0ok into bringing the 27-year-old in.
Kennard’s best trait is obviously his three-point shooting, having shot the three-ball at a mind-boggling 43.9 percent clip for his career on good volume. He’s not the most nimble of feet, particularly defensively, but he is as consister of a shooter as you can get. He’s also able to leverage his good court sense to function as a connector on offense.
Doug McDermott could be a bang for the buck option for the 76ers
Speaking of pure sharpshooters, should the 76ers aim for a rotation filler who is guaranteed to be on the less expensve side in free agency, they should look no further than Doug McDermott, a 10-year veteran who’s made a living off of being a precise gunner over the years.
A 41 percent career three-point shooter, McDermott is routinely among the league leaders in efficiency from beyond the arc. He’s one of the best off-ball movers in the NBA, particularly proficient in coming off screens and relocating to get himself in position for drive-and-kick outlets. He’s also an adept finisher in the paint, capitalizing on his uncanny skill for cutting through open lanes.
McDermott offers little else outside of three-point shooting and is widely known as a poor defender, but he’s unlikely to combust the team when given limited court time, which is exactly the kind of role he is and should be getting. In addition, he can give the 76ers additional depth in the forward position, which projects to be a blank canvass after their season ends.