The Philadelphia 76ers opened their post All-Star break slate in disappointing fashion, losing at home to a Knicks squad missing one of their stars. The hosts were overwhelmed on the boards, with the visitors corralling 12 offensive rebounds and just dominating on the glass, particularly in the first quarter.
Mo Bamba and Paul Reed struggled once more against New York’s crew, underscoring the team’s pressing need for more reinforcements in light of Joel Embiid’s continued absence due to injury. Unfortunately, the window to snag more help in that department is starting to wane.
Alas, to rub salt in their wound, it seems like the 76ers could’ve had the perfect veteran to fill the void left by Embiid before the trade deadline.
76ers came very close to trading for this vet before the deadline
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Philadelphia almost secured a deal for veteran center Andre Drummond before the Chicago Bulls pulled out of talks and ultimately decided to keep the highly sought-after big man for an anticipated postseason push.
The 76ers were numerously linked to Drummond prior to the trade deadline, but the market for him was believed to be a relatively crowded one with playoff teams also lining up for his services.
While the former All-Star has moved on to embrace a permanent bench role, he has nevertheless remained one of the most productive players in the league. In just 16.7 minutes, the 30-year-old bruiser is averaging 8.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per outing — both lofty numbers relative to his minuscule serving of court time.
Chicago was noted to be demanding three second-round picks for Drummond, and while the 76ers weren’t definitively stated to be willing to meet that price, it must be reiterated that Philly was notably trigger-happy with regard to flipping second-rounders for potential roster upgrades, similar to how they maneuvered to land Buddy Hield from Indiana.
With Drummond still gatekept in Chicago, the Philadelphia 76ers will have to make do with their current deck of big men, for better or for worse, unless they get a good pulse for a worthy alternative in the buyout market.
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