The Philadelphia 76ers are certainly a better team following the blockbuster trade for former NBA MVP James Harden. Once Harden returns from his hamstring issues, he will form a formidable duo alongside the current MVP front-runner in Joel Embiid. The deal was a no-brainer, as the 76ers were chasing after Harden for months, but the move has left a gaping hole on this roster down low.
Philadelphia could use a backup center after sending Andre Drummond to the Brooklyn Nets in the deal for Harden. Drummond had been playing well behind Embiid this season, and Philly should be looking for a replacement to give the big man a breather when he is off the floor.
Although they did get an established veteran in Paul Millsap alongside Harden in the trade, he is only 6-foot-7 and is not the answer to their center predicament. Paul Reed and Charles Bassey are both inexperienced, which could force the team to turn to the free-agent market to add some size and experience before the playoffs begin.
With that being said, let us look at three free-agent centers for the Philadelphia 76ers to pursue.
3 free-agent centers for the Philadelphia 76ers to target: Willie Cauley-Stein
Though he is not a household name, Willie Cauley-Stein has proven to be a solid player throughout his first few NBA seasons. The big man had been playing backup center for the Dallas Mavericks over the last few seasons before they waived him back in January. He was a serviceable rotational piece for them during his two and a half seasons with the franchise, and the 76ers could look to get him back in the league.
Cauley-Stein never averaged the gaudiest numbers – 4.5 points and four rebounds in 84 games with Dallas – but he could be a passable backup for the 76ers. Standing at a towering 7-feet tall with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, the big man could provide a hulking presence on the court when Embiid takes his breaks.
Although he has never been an elite shot-blocking big, Cauley-Stein has averaged nearly one blocked shot per game for his career, meaning he could give protection close to the hoop for Philadelphia, in addition to some rebounding.
Ultimately, this would be about adding a center that has experience. Cauley-Stein is 28 years old, and the former sixth overall pick certainly might have something left to give if he is looking for his next shot in the NBA.
He would be a low-risk, high-reward signing for a Philadelphia team that is on the hunt for size off the bench. Cauley-Stein missed five weeks earlier this season due to personal reasons, which was partially why he was waived, but if he is ready to get back in action, the 76ers should call.