The Philadelphia 76ers are not exactly a team lacking raw talent, but as this season proved to them, they have a pressing roster issue when it comes to some less heralded departments. Hence, it is incumbent on the front office to seek solutions to these weaknesses to give the squad a better fighting chance in the following campaign.
Out in the backcourt, much has been said about the 76ers lacking a natural playmaker, but perhaps even more concerning is their lack of reliable stoppers in the guard positions. Philly logged the fifth-worst defensive rating this season, making defense a huge emphasis for the front office this summer.
Fortunately for the 76ers, they might just be facing at a potential target to add into the loop and help address their glaring defensive woes thanks to the Orlando Magic.
The 76ers should target Gary Harris in free agency
The Magic are clearly trying to shed salary after that blockbuster trade they pulled off recently to acquire Desmond Bane. Following the eventful move, they reportedly declined the team options for both Gary Harris and Cory Joseph.
The veteran Joseph was a major contributor for Orlando this season as their stopgap solution and stabilizer at point guard. On the other hand, the Harris exclusion comes off as an unsurprising development, thanks in large part to his role drastically getting dashed in his fifth campaign with the Magic.
As a result, the 76ers should set their sights on adding Harris via free agency. After registering career-low marks across the board due to his reduced playing time, the 11-year veteran will almost certainly be available for picking at the veteran’s minimum, which plays to Philly’s financial constraints.
Even better, Harris is someone who can contribute to the plate. He is still a competent defender who can hit open threes, making him a nice depth piece to a team that needs reinforcements on the defensive end, even if only in spurts.
Compared to the more mainstream options in the open market, there is no risk to signing Harris, who is only a full year removed from being a heavy-minutes rotation player. Heck, playing next to talented scorers who can sap all the defensive attention could very well give him a boost efficiency-wise.
The Philadelphia 76ers have to nail their value signings in free agency in view of their limited spending power, and zooming in on someone like Gary Harris, a proven, yet inexpensive option, could just be the ideal kickstart they need to make this offseason count.