With the All-Star Weekend finally over (and whew, what an unentertaining one that was), the Philadelphia 76ers can now resume their rocky chase for a playoff spot. While their hunt looks futile thanks to their measly 20-34 records, they are still within a very striking distance to at least qualify for the playoffs-in tournament, giving them a window to still make it to the playoffs.
Fortunately for the 76ers, they will have one of the most savorable slates out there to end the season. Tankathon projects that Philly will have the fourth-easiest schedule after the All-Star break, although it bears great heft to point out that this team has displayed an uncanny ability to somehow lose against highly disadvantaged opponents, event in their own home floor.
Thus, to fortify their final hurrah toward a playoff spot, the front office has to exhausta all available remedies to help smoothen the team on the edges and mount a more competitive bid to end the regular season. However, that could spell the end for one particular player on the roster.
The 76ers could soon move on from Jeff Dowtin
Should the 76ers pursue a new face to address the team’s slew of weaknesses, be it via the G-League or in the buyout market, they could feel the need to move on from certain players who are not receiving much playing time anyway. If so, Jeff Dowtin seems like an ideal candidate to make room for a new acquisition.
Dowtin, one of Philadelphia’s two-way players, first set foot with the team last season when he was briefly in a two-way deal before having his contract converted to a standard one. He re-signed with the 76ers during the offseason with a new two-way contract and has appeared in 24 games so far.
Unfortunately, time is running out for the 27-year-old. The 76ers seem intent on committing to Jared Butler to man the backup point guard spot the rest of the way, and Dowtin’s footing on the team has just become too hazy to sustain.
It also does not help that the coaching staff continues to favor the likes of Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon to shore up the backcourt off the bench. Meanwhile, Quentin Grimes’ emergence has also basically cannibalized his minutes.
Despite showing some promise as a two-way guard who can playmake and defend, Jeff Dowtin’s time with the Philadelphia 76ers could soon be over. While unfortunate, the team simply has way too many mouths to feed in the backcourt, and there is probably nothing left for him to take.