Philadelphia 76ers: How will Nemanja Bjelica fit in next year?

(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

How he affects the current roster

The Philadelphia 76ers’ frontcourt is full of players who bring different dynamics to the table. They recently acquired Wilson Chandler from the Denver Nuggets while giving up very little. He’s on an expiring contract and has the veteran savvy to be of good use on both ends.

It may take Bjelica a while to adjust to Philadelphia’s speed. The Sixers play with a totally different pace than the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota ranked 25th in the NBA last season in fast break points per game (9.7), while Philadelphia ranked 16th (11.5 points per game).

He may not have the quickness to play a whole lot of minutes, but playing the 5 in a small-ball lineup isn’t totally out of the question. The Sixers have had relative success with power forward Dario Saric in the starting lineup as well, so moving him for Bjelica seems unrealistic.

Considering Robert Covington, Zhaire Smith, Richaun Holmes and Amir Johnson are also on the roster, the prospects of a trade happening is inevitable. Smith is a recent draft pick so he’s not likely to be moved. Johnson was recently re-signed in free agency as well. Holmes and Covington could be two players on the trade block soon.