Philadelphia 76ers: A 3-team trade deadline blockbuster proposal
By Simon Smith
As we edge closer to the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline, here’s a three-team blockbuster deal involving the Philadelphia 76ers.
With the Philadelphia Eagles having broken through for their historic first Super Bowl triumph, the Philadelphia 76ers now become the center of attention for the coming months. Currently placed eighth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 25-25 record, the Sixers have primed themselves to make a run at their first postseason appearance since 2012.
The play of newly-named All-Star center Joel Embiid and Rookie of the Year favorite Ben Simmons has been sublime, with the emerging duo certain to set the league alight for many years to come. Furthermore, second-year forward Dario Saric has recovered from a slow start to the season to average 16.7 points and 7.5 rebounds over his last 30 games.
Furthermore, the ever-reliable presence of shooting guard J.J. Redick has proved to be an invaluable addition, averaging 17.0 points in 32.2 minutes per game, with both numbers representing career highs in his 12th season in the league.
However, after a scorching start to the season, forward Robert Covington has come back down to earth. Although his play on the defensive end of the floor can’t be questioned, his contributions at the offensive end have taken a nosedive.
SIXERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/GBaMmSHaAj
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 3, 2018
After averaging 16.7 points per game on 48.7 percent shooting from long range over the first 15 games, Covington’s ensuing games has seen him average 11.5 points per game at a 33.0 percent clip from 3-point range. While his 6’9″ frame and 7’2″ wingspan are game-changers at the defensive end, Covington is a career 39.7 percent shooter from the field and it’s something the Sixers need to keep in perspective moving forward.
Despite an impressive showing through 50 games from their starting lineup, the Sixers nonetheless are just a .500 team with a heavy reliance on their key contributors. Granted, No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz, who was expected to make significant contributions, has been virtually unseen, with his return from his shoulder rehabilitation still unclear.
The Sixers’ Eastern Conference rival, the Detroit Pistons, entered the news recently in their acquisition of five-time All-Star Blake Griffin. One of the premier talents in the league, Griffin nonetheless has experienced a litany of injuries throughout his career, thus making the remaining four years and $141.7 million remaining on his contract after this season a sizable risk on the Pistons’ part.
Despite this deal, an interesting tweet came from renowned basketball coach and scout, David Thorpe. Formerly of ESPN, Thorpe recently tweeted the following in regards to the future of Pistons’ center, Andre Drummond shortly after the Griffin trade:
Turning off twitter tonight. What Drummond deals make the most sense? Not saying one is imminent, just that it's something that presents intriguing options. I LOVED Davis and Cousins as a 2 headed beast vs small ball--Blake and Drummond just does not compare to that.
— david b. thorpe (@coachthorpe) January 30, 2018
He followed this up a few days later:
Remember that I am not advocating a trade to move Drummond. I think Blake pushes him to legit all star levels. But it bears considering, as he is possibly an asset that can return more in a trade than what he can produce on the court. It's a good thought exercise. Thx for playing
— david b. thorpe (@coachthorpe) February 4, 2018
In a separate tweet, Thorpe mentioned the possibility of the Portland Trail Blazers being a destination for Drummond. Currently sixth in the Western Conference with a 29-24 record, the Blazers have somewhat reached their potential as a unit, which follows up from their 44 and 41 wins of the past two seasons.
With the Sixers also in need of a shakeup, here’s a three-trade proposition on the eve of the Feb. 8 deadline that could significantly assist the needs of each team involved.