Sixers Free Agency Targets Revised Following Latest Revelation

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agency Priorities

It comes as no surprise that the positions in need of the most upgrade for the Sixers this summer are the 2 and 3 spots. Currently, the Sixers’ starting small forward, Robert Covington, is shooting 39.0 percent overall and 33.2 percent from three-point range.

Nik Stauskas and Gerald Henderson have shared time as the starting 2 guard. Stauskas is shooting 41.2 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from three. For his part, Henderson has shot 44.0 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from downtown.

Newly acquired swingman Justin Anderson is a career 28.3 percent shooter from three-point range. As a team, the Sixers are ranked 26th in the league in scoring at 101.7 points per game despite ranking fifth in the league in pace (possessions per 48 minutes).

And overall, the Sixers rank 28th in the league in field goal percentage at 44.0 percent.

This all indicates one clear thing — the Sixers desperately need perimeter shooting.

Luckily enough, this summer provides the Sixers with a number of legitimate options to target and utilize as key pieces moving forward. Considering the age and profile of the current roster, two types of player need to be targeted.:

  1. Starting level players at the shooting guard and small forward slots who are still young enough to grow with the current trio of Embiid, Simmons and Saric.
  2. A proven veteran backup (or two) who can prove quality minutes off the bench, and can also start when required.