Despite having the NBA's deadliest starting five, the Philadelphia 76ers lack a scoring edge from the bench. Anfernee Simons was heralded as the answer to an issue that has plagued the Sixers for years, but that vision hasn't materialized yet. Philadelphia's bench boasts spot-up shooters and defensive-minded players; however, it lacks a forward willing to cut behind the opposition and attack the basket. Ricky Council IV would add this to the 76ers' arsenal.
Even if Simons discovered his form, the Sixers' secondary unit is predictable. Once a defense figures out how to take away their space from deep, Philadelphia's bench players run out of ideas. Simons, Justin Edwards, Labaron Philon Jr., and even Dean Wade, when he decides to shoot, all play a similar offensive role. Nick Nurse doesn't have much versatility to call from his bench.
If winning a championship is the aim, the 76ers can't afford to drop standards when their starting lineup takes a rest. Roster cuts would have to be made, but bringing back a former player who possesses an entirely different skill set would be a smart move.
Ricky Council would be an interesting but positive pickup
What a blast from the past. Council returning to the 76ers wouldn't be on many fans' bingo cards. The Arkansas alum was signed by Philadelphia in 2023 on a two-way contract and went on to play 105 games for the franchise. The former Sixers forward resides in the G League with the Osceola Magic and would surely jump at the chance to return to the biggest stage.
Council showed glimpses of the impactful bench player he could become but failed to show the consistency required to play at the highest level. However, that was then; this is now. Council was part of a roster that required him to shoot from deep, play in isolation, and be one of the go-to guys when Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey weren't on the floor. It wasn't fair, and it certainly wasn't realistic.
For a young prospect finding his feet in the NBA, Council was asked to do too much, too soon. Much was a consequence of injuries, but it was a role he struggled to understand. Now, with an abundance of talent at their disposal, the 76ers can simplify what is required of him and field him in a position that benefits both the player and the franchise.
This version of the 76ers is better suited to Council's skill set
During the 2024-25 season, Council averaged 7.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, but was asked to shoot 2.9 3-point attempts per game, and as his 25.8 percent conversion rate shows, this is not his greatest asset.
The 25-year-old exhibited great athleticism, energy, and enthusiasm throughout his time at the franchise, even if his performances weren't always up to scratch. The 76ers lack this spark off the bench right now.
Council would benefit from a team of ball-handlers whom defenders gravitate towards. His aggressive style would allow him to occupy the space left by his opponent and slam home some buckets around the basket.
While he isn't a game-changing option, Council would alter the dynamic of the 76ers' offense. The current set of players play similar roles, and once the defense has a plan to contain them, Philadelphia runs out of ideas. Variation will be key in a championship run -- something the Sixers don't have.
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