76ers Acquired 'Hidden Gem' This Offseason That Few Are Talking About

Every team has a player they consider the dark horse.

You know, that one player who is the oil to the machine that no one considers until he shines in the big moment. According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, that player for the Philadelphia 76ers is Dean Wade.

Swartz recently came out with his list for each team and their “disrespected hidden gems," and Wade was his choice.

In the article, he considers Wade as one of the best 3-and-D forwards in the NBA. Wade, had been a member of the Cavaliers for the first seven years of his career. He noticed his minutes increase each year as he averages 20 per game. The minutes aren’t the concern here; the biggest thing is how well he complements the team. 

Philadelphia is looking to be a more fast-paced team and run up the score on other teams. 

This speaks to Wade’s strength as a spot-up three-point shooter. Using Wade as a transitional scorer opens up the floor for stars like LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey who want to go downhill to get a quick and easy bucket. Swartz also emphasizes how his 6-foot-9 frame can cause problems for many players.

Another point that can be beneficial for the Sixers when they need someone to lock up a prominent scorer. He was considered a key part in the Cavaliers' playoff run as he handled the defensive assignment for Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. 

So not only can he defend the long forwards like Ingram, but he can also stick with the quick, agile players like Scottie Barnes. This could be the year he has his highest point total with the ball needing to find the stars. That could mean Wade gets lost in the shuffle, which benefits the Sixers. But could we be overlooking another player who can have a bigger impact with the ball in his hands? I think so. 

Let’s not forget Anfernee Simons is now on the team, and he can not only shoot the ball but also handle like a point guard. Simons is another player that can get lost in the shuffle with all this star power, but it could prove to be useful as the team gets closer to the playoffs. 

If the Sixers can allow players like Wade and Simons to flow within the team, it’ll lead to a hard time for opposing players.

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J'Mar Smith is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].