4. Kelly Olynyk
Center play behind Joel Embiid was easily one of the biggest gripes on the 76ers this season, as a lack thereof was the main propeller behind their freefall after the then-MVP’s lengthy injury-related absence. Heading into the summer, the front office has to secure the services of someone who can back Embiid up and slide into a bigger role when needed. At this point, it’s more than just due diligence.
Free agency might be their desired route to fill the spot, but the trade market should amplify the 76ers’ range of vision here. One name they can take a look at is Raptors big man Kelly Olynyk, the 11-year veteran who managed to carve out a very niche, yet valuable role for himself this season en route to a well-earned extension.
Olynyk is far unlike any backup big man the 76ers have had in years, as he doesn’t profile as your conventional center. Instead, he’s a polished, offensive-minded think tank with an uncanny knack for facilitating from both the high and low post. His rebounding and defensive issues aside, the Canadian remains a rangy big man versatile enough to be banked on as a reliable high-minutes sub, or shoehorned as a power forward in bigger configurations.