PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. Led by the reigning league MVP, Joel Embiid, and a rising star, Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers are looking as strong as any team in the league.
That doesn’t mean the Sixers will not be looking for roster upgrades, however. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is never shy about making moves if he believes they will help his team.
Perhaps the Sixers don’t need to make a huge move, but Morey believes there are areas in which the team could improve.
“I try not to get too prescriptive or proscriptive on that, but I would say there are a few areas,” Morey began. “If we do take an injury, obviously if they’re big injuries, you’re a little bit challenged in the playoffs no matter what, but to get us through stretches where key guys are out, I do think some depth at the big might be helpful. I do think some depth at guard.”
At the moment, the Sixers are relying on Paul Reed and Mo Bamba to be the backups for Embiid. Coach Nick Nurse has also been creative and turned to Marcus Morris Sr. as a small-ball 5 when Embiid is out. Regardless, Philadelphia is 0-3 when the reigning league MVP sits, so an upgrade there wouldn’t be the worst move.
The Sixers have solid depth on the wing, which is something he was worried about heading into the new season.
“I do think surprisingly given this offseason for a while it looked like our wing depth wasn’t going to be there,” Morey added. “The Clippers trade, obviously, helped that quite a bit. So I think we’re shored up pretty well there.”
As far as a backup guard, the Sixers rely on Patrick Beverley and De’Anthony Melton for the ball-handling duties when Maxey is on the bench. Ball-handling has been an adventure when Maxey is off the floor, so that is another area in which Morey is looking for an upgrade.
“From a depth perspective, it’ll probably be guard and big,” Morey finished. “Then we’re obviously always looking for those real key difference makers who can really move the needle and give us even a better chance against the other top teams in the East and in the NBA.”
The trade deadline in the NBA is Feb. 8.
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