Philadelphia 76ers: 3 players not likely to return in 2020-21
3. Raul Neto
After Raul Neto was waived by the Utah Jazz last offseason, the 76ers signed him to a one-year deal to serve as the backup to Simmons. He managed to pull that off in relatively anonymous fashion.
The point guard played in 54 games in 2019-20, averaging 5.1 points and 1.8 assists in 12.4 minutes per game. He also shot 38.6 percent from 3-point range.
His role on the team seemed tenable at best when the postseason rolled around, though. Despite Simmons being sidelined by injury, Neto only appeared in two of the team’s four postseason games against the Boston Celtics. His struggles on the defensive end may have played a part in that decision.
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The Sixers don’t necessarily need somebody flashy in the backup point guard role, but they do need someone they can rely on if Simmons’ injury problems continue to dog his career. Internal options aren’t great, with Matisse Thybulle and Zhaire Smith – should the latter stick around – profiling more as shooting guards. But Philadelphia could acquire a promising young point guard in the draft.
They could also look towards free agency. Goran Dragic may prove to be too expensive for Philadelphia’s taste, especially if he wins a title this year. But someone like D.J. Augustin could give the Sixers one of the better backup point guards in the NBA.