With training camp having already officially began, there's not really a lot of legroom any more for the Philadelphia 76ers to make a sudden switch or addition. Logically speaking, it would be better to let things marinate on the court prior to evaluating their current personnel.
That, however, does not seem to hold water for other teams. One team in particular has already pulled off a blockbuster move just days ahead of training camp to the detriment of a fellow contender and this time, they made another addition which, while not loitering in the headlines, could give the 76ers a what-if situation.
The 76ers could have been the ones to sign TJ Warren to a training camp deal
The Knicks, still not content with their flashy additions, made another clutch addition to their training camp roster in the form of veteran forward TJ Warren. The 31-year-old found himself stuck as a meager piece for the Timberwolves last season and remained unsigned in free agency prior to a try-out deal with New York.
Thanks to injuries, it's been four seasons since Warren's last productive season –– a really productive one –– as part of the Indiana in the puzzling 2019-20 season. Of course, who could forget Warren blowing everything up in the scoring department in the NBA Bubble?
Unfortunately for him, his career has gone downhill ever since due to nagging foot injuries that forced him to miss a ton of games. Still, he is a natural scorer who can hit from anywhere, making this a great, risk-free signing for the Knicks.
The 76ers, however, could have been the ones to benefit from giving Warren an opportunity to get NBA reps during preseason. With the team needing more size at forward, he could've supplied that need while also giving them an emergency scorer they can tap into when the bench needs a scoring lift, even in spurts.
Philly has left a roster spot open for flexibility, giving them with something to toy with on the transaction tables prior to the start of the regular season. Hopefully, they can maximize that to snag a player who can truly contribute and give the team some more functional depth, especially at forward.
TJ Warren may not have a positive ring to it as it once did, but the Philadelphia 76ers could have assumed the hat that the Knicks have worn. Hopefully, the front office can find an even better alternative before the season begins.