The Philadelphia 76ers didn't make a rippling splash in the offseason, but they made an under-the-radar addition in Trendon Watford. However, fans will have to wait a while longer to see Philadelphia's prime free agency acquisition take the floor.
Nick Nurse told PHLY Sports after practice on Tuesday that Watford did introductory work and believes there is still progress for him to make before he can participate in live-action practice segments. The 76ers announced that Watford suffered from hamstring tightness on September 28th and has yet to play in the preseason.
Watford is falling behind
Philadelphia’s power forward depth chart was questionable heading into training camp and remains uncertain one week out from its season-opener against the Boston Celtics. Although Watford will have a role pending his return, his injury prevented him from using the preseason to acclimate to the 76ers’ way of doing things.
However, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker have auditioned themselves well in Philadelphia’s first three exhibitions. Barlow notched 12 points and nine rebounds, six of which were offensive, in Philadelphia’s 128-98 loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday. Walker has posted at least seven points in the preseason so far. Barlow has the most convincing case to crack the 76ers’ rotation, but the starting power forward spot remains up for grabs.
Watford has a shot to complement Joel Embiid in Philadelphia’s starting lineup, but it’s reasonable to assume that Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr are leading the race. George is the best option with his floor-spacing and defensive versatility. At the same time, Oubre is likely more in Nurse’s favor considering his two-year tenure compared to Watford’s newcomer status.
Watford is worth the wait
Regardless, Watford offers something Philadelphia otherwise lacks at the four – playmaking. Between his floor vision and ball-handling, Watford has emerged as more of a point-forward in his four-year career. He recorded a 13% potential assist mark with the Brooklyn Nets last season, which ranked in the 91st percentile amongst the NBA according to DataBallr.
Watford’s connective passing should entice the 76ers to utilize him as a screener, especially in short-roll situations. His ability to read the floor while slipping screens will boost the movement and livelihood in Philadelphia’s offense. Watford could excel in dribble handoffs with the 76ers’ variety of ball-handlers as well, which allows Nurse to experiment quite a bit.
However, he has shot 34.9% from beyond the arc and posted 3.6 rebounds per game through his career, which weakens his case to be a starter as Philadelphia’s front-court requires adequate spacing and rebounding.
The 76ers signed Watford to a two-year/$5.3 million contract on July 2nd and his status for their preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday is yet to be announced.