76ers Near Top of Free Agency Market for Western Conference Star Forward

John Collins would make the Philadelphia 76ers better on paper. That does not automatically make him their cleanest option.

Sixers insider Tony Jones of The Athletic noted that if Philadelphia wanted Collins, the Sixers would be near the top of his market because they could offer him a starting spot and solid money. That part makes sense. Collins is not a fringe rotation player. He is an established NBA forward with real scoring talent, vertical athleticism, and enough shooting touch to punish defenses that ignore him.

Collins averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds last season while shooting 55.2 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three. Those numbers show the appeal. He can finish above the rim, run in transition, score as a roller, attack mismatches, and space the floor better than many traditional frontcourt players. He is not just a hustle player or energy guy. He can actually score within an offense or by creating for himself. 

This matters because Philadelphia has often needed more reliable offensive options around its stars. When the Sixers’ offense has stalled, too much responsibility has fallen on Maxey’s speed, Embiid’s shot creation, and George’s perimeter scoring. Collins would give Nick Nurse another frontcourt piece who can produce without needing every possession designed for him.

But fit is where the conversation becomes more complicated.

If Collins comes to Philadelphia expecting a major offensive role, the Sixers would have to ask themselves how many players they can realistically feed. Maxey needs touches. Embiid, when healthy, still has to be the foundation. George needs rhythm to be effective. Edgecombe’s development should not be treated like an afterthought, especially after the great rookie year he had. 

Adding Collins to that group would give Philadelphia more talent, but it could also create a crowded offensive hierarchy. There are only so many shots, touches, and possessions to divide. That does not mean Collins cannot fit. It means the Sixers would need him to embrace the right kind of role.

That is why a lower-usage player might make more sense for the final starting spot. The Sixers may need someone whose first instinct is to defend, rebound, move without the ball, and keep the offense connected. Team cohesion matters when a roster already has multiple players who need offensive rhythm.

Collins is talented enough to start for Philadelphia. The question is whether his role would make the rest of the lineup easier to organize.

If the Sixers believe he can accept a streamlined job, the fit becomes intriguing. If not, they may be better off chasing a simpler piece.

Talent matters. But for this version of Philadelphia, fit may matter even more.

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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].