3 free-agent centers the Philadelphia 76ers should target

3 free-agent centers the Philadelphia 76ers should target: Marc Gasol

The most recognizable name on the list, Marc Gasol could be a viable backup center option for the 76ers to consider. Although the former Defensive Player of the Year is currently out of the league, ESPN insider Zach Lowe (subscription required) reported that the Bucks discussed a mid-season deal with Gasol before they acquired Serge Ibaka at the trade deadline. If Gasol is still looking for another shot in the league, Philadelphia should be among the potential suitors ready to pursue him.

While he is not the three-time All-Star or All-Defensive player that he once was, Gasol could still give a team quality minutes at 37 years old. Playing with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, he proved that he could provide some interior protection by averaging 1.1 blocks per game while also proving to be a legitimate floor spacer, knocking down 41 percent of his three-pointers on 2.3 attempts per game. For a backup, numbers like that would be great for this 76ers unit in the minutes when Embiid is off the floor.

When Philadelphia potentially has to match up against formidable centers in the postseason like Miami’s Bam Adebayo, Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen, or Chicago’s Nikola Vučević, having a savvy piece like Gasol to guard them would be a massive boost.

Winning a championship with the Raptors in 2019, having defeated the 76ers along the way, Gasol would bring battle-tested experience to a Philadelphia team looking to finally breakthrough that playoff wall.

Though he would not be a needle-tipper, bringing in Gasol could be a quality addition to the 76ers.

Stay tuned to find out whether or not the 76ers may target any of these three centers to fortify the position before the postseason.