The Philadelphia 76ers’ moves at the February 5th NBA trade deadline depleted their back-court depth with no immediate solution, or so many thought.
Trendon Watford has emerged as the 76ers’ makeshift backup point guard following Jared McCain’s departure to the Oklahoma City Thunder. His combination of size and playmaking adds more versatility to Philadelphia’s bench, which needs more offensive firepower. It will be critical for Watford to sustain his impact as the regular season winds down.
Philadelphia has relied on Watford more lately, having played at least 15 minutes in his last three games – the first time since November 2nd to 11th. Nick Nurse seemingly coveted Watford’s facilitating off the bench, especially amidst Paul George’s 25-game suspension, who typically anchored the 76ers’ second unit.
Watford recorded 16 points in Philadelphia’s 113-94 win against the Golden State Warriors on February 3rd. It’s an interesting coincidence that his usage increased in McCain’s last game donning red, white and blue. While the forward has yet to reach double digits, he has accumulated many possessions in which he kept the 76ers’ offense in motion with his screening and passing.
The 25-year-old showed both skills in Philadelphia’s 109-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. He set a ball-screen for Joel Embiid, which he slipped to force the Suns into rotation, allowing him to find Dominick Barlow cutting from the baseline for a dunk.
Watford is at his best when operating in transition, as evidenced on Saturday night. He used his six-foot, eight-inch 237-pound frame to draw two defenders, opening up the paint for Adem Bona, resulting in a throwdown. It’s small things like this that display Watford’s importance to the 76ers’ offense.
Philadelphia entered the season thought to have back-court variety, but McCain didn’t progress in the way that many hoped. Nurse had turned to George to stabilize the second unit, but without him, the 76ers don’t have ample playmaking when Maxey and Joel Embiid are off the floor. Daryl Morey brought in Watford to be a connector – a role he’ll double down on pending George’s return and/or a buy-out addition.
The forward’s ability to create advantages with or without the ball is a luxury that Philadelphia must use to the fullest. While Watford is prone to defensive lapses and sporadic three-point shooting, his passing is crucial with George sidelined. The 76ers’ reserves otherwise lack a table-setter and Watford running a de facto guard role will be necessary to stay afloat.