2. D’Angelo Russell isn’t the Tyrese Maxey running mate the 76ers need
Philadelphia tried to mitigate the lack of a running mate for Tyrese Maxey last season by committee, but all of their backcourt players could leave in free agency. Nevertheless, the 76ers would probably pursue an opportunity to pair a high-caliber guard next to the first-time All-Star and Most Improved Player of the Year if the chance presents itself.
One guard who could be in line for a sizeable payday this offseason is D’Angelo Russell. After turning in a solid season for the Lakers with average of 18 points and 6.3 assists per game despite playing with high-usage stars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis and a role player masquerading as a star in Austin Reaves, the former All-Star still managed to thrive for the most part and produced lofty numbers.
However, expecting his production to carry over to the 76ers in a hypothetical scenario would be akin to jumping the gun. He’s not a mid to high-volume playmaker, which the team needs more urgently, and the team needs a more reliable defensive presence next to Maxey. Put simply, he doesn’t profile as the kind of ideal running mate the All-Star needs.