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Philadelphia 76ers: Veteran Free Agents To Target

By Simon Smith

December 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) reacts after scoring a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) reacts after scoring a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The potential of the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster is seemingly limitless. But some veteran help and guidance is going to be essential in their growth as a team.

Although it’s stating the obvious, the Philadelphia 76ers have an extremely young and inexperienced roster.

Joel Embiid has played a total of 31 games, and is just 23. Ben Simmons has yet to take the floor and is still only 20. Jahlil Okafor has now completed two seasons in the NBA and is 21. Also, Rookie of the Year contender Dario Saric is 23.

This past season saw the team improve from 10 to 28 wins, despite a multitude of injuries up and down the roster. The three Sixers to have played in at least 80 games — T.J. McConnell, Nik Stauskas and Saric — are all 25 years and under.

Looking ahead to next season, the Sixers will potentially possess two of the top four selections of the upcoming draft. With the presumed return to full health for Embiid and Simmons, the Sixers’ roster as presently constituted will remain extremely youthful.

Last offseason, Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo sought to address the lack of veteran presence. These were his veteran signings last summer:

Henderson and Rodgriguez provided help in the backcourt, starting 41 and 30 games respectively. Bayless’ season, on the other hand, was a complete wash, playing just three games due to wrist surgery. Moving forward, it’s unlikely Rodriguez gets re-signed this summer. Another veteran free agent acquired midseason, Tiago Splitter, will also likely walk.

At his recent exit interview, Colangelo addressed the Sixers’ needs moving forward. Among other things he stated:

"“We’ve got a lot of needs. We’re far from being a complete team right now.”"

Head coach Brett Brown added:

"“There’s a veteran element that you can’t dismiss. There’s examples that veterans provide…I think we need fours, and we need veterans to make the team complete.”"

In looking forward to this summer, here’s a look at some of the veteran free agents the Sixers should consider pursuing.