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Philadelphia 76ers: Top 5 Free Agency Targets

By Simon Smith

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) and President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (M) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (L) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) gestures after a three point basket during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Otto Porter, Washington Wizards

Age: 23

2016-17: 14.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 53.3 FG%, 46.4 3P%, 34.0 MPG

Porter is currently enjoying his most productive season in the league, and has been a key factor in the recent resurgence of the Washington Wizards.

Now in his fourth year, Porter leads the league in three-point percentage for players attempting at least three per game. At 6-foot-8 and possessing tremendous length and athleticism, Porter represents the prototypical “3-and-D” modern player.

Recently, his new head coach Scott Brooks noted:

"“I think as this season goes on and his career goes on, I think he can be a shooting four also. He’s just not going to be a three. We can add to his game and put him at the four spot because I think when you have a guy who can shoot threes at the four, it kind of changes the whole dynamic of your offensive game.”"

The current incumbent at the position, Robert Covington, has certainly improved as the season has progressed. But overall for the season, Covington is shooting at just 37.9 percent overall from the field and 32.0 percent from behind three. Granted, Porter has had the luxury of playing alongside All-Star point guard John Wall on a team that is now third in the Eastern Conference standings.

But Covington is 26, while Porter is still just 23 and still growing as a player. Placing Porter’s length alongside the likes of Embiid and Simmons would provide endless nightmares for opponents.

The main obstacle standing in the Sixers’ way is likely to be how much they are willing to spend. Coming off his initial rookie contract, Porter is likely to field multiple offers close to the maximum allowable.

Therefore, Colangelo and his staff will need to evaluate just how high Porter’s ceiling is moving forward as he heads toward restricted free agency.