[jwplayer bKE2pMUe-z6KDnl0B]
Every team in the NBA has that third point guard who will run the offense and just play his role. That guy can be sometimes forgotten, but when he does enter the game, he can sometimes make a difference.
Raul Neto was that third point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019-20 season and he was flip-flopping between the second string and the third string, but he always stayed ready. He was not flashy, he would make mistakes, but he was reliable when called upon during the season.
2019-20 season averages
5.1 points
1.8 assists
1.1 rebounds
45.5% overall percentage
38.6% from deep
Neto was signed to a 1-year deal in order to just keep things running smoothly on the floor. He did so as he was just really solid on the offensive end and he was a reliable 3-point shooter. If he had an open look, he would knock it down.
Defensively, he had his issues and he was not used correctly at times. For example, former coach Brett Brown turned to him in Game 2 of the playoffs and that was not a good matchup for him. With Philadelphia leading, they should have kept their foot on the gas and gone to a more offensive-minded Alec Burks. Neto got a lot of blame for that loss and while he did not play well, he probably should not have been called upon to begin with.
In the playoffs, he did play two games against the Boston Celtics. He finished with a total of eight points and three assists with one turnover while he shot 2-for-5 from deep. For all intent and purposes, he really did his job. It’s not like Philadelphia expected him to be a star or anything. He was just solid.
As mentioned, Neto is a free agent this offseason. He most likely will not be brought back as the Sixers look for an upgrade at the backup point guard position such as D.J. Augustin or players of that nature. If brought back, it will be on another 1-year minimum deal. [lawrence-related id=37490,37487,37483]