A look at three more potential free agent targets for the Philadelphia 76ers if they miss out on LeBron James.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a final roster spot to fill.
The consensus is that the slot is reserved for LeBron James until he makes his free agency decision. But who could Philadelphia target if it misses out on the 22-time All-Star?
In the first rendition of this article, the possibility of signing Matisse Thybulle, Nicolas Batum, or Ziaire Williams (signed with the Los Angeles Lakers) was explored. Here's a look at three more potential free agent targets for the 76ers:
1. DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan is likely the most talented free agent the 76ers could get their hands on for a veteran's minimum contract. He is a six-time All-Star who averaged 18.4 points on 49.7% shooting for the Sacramento Kings last season. However, there are some concerns about his potential fit with the Sixers.
He cannot space the floor and does not defend at a high level at this stage of his career. Both of these are concerning factors, especially for a player who'd be alongside Joel Embiid quite often. Still, if Philadelphia wants to land sheer talent, expressing interest in DeRozan is the route to take.
2. Nick Richards
As it stands, Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti are Embiid's backups. Neither is accustomed to serving as a full-time secondary center, so adding additional frontcourt help is important.
Richards is more established than either of the aforementioned big men, as he's played six years in the NBA for a handful of teams. The 28-year-old averaged 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds on 51.2% shooting in 48 games between the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls last season. It's not nearly as splashy of a signing as DeRozan would be, but ensuring Embiid has the proper support is crucial.
3. Jeremy Sochan
Sochan is having a strange beginning to his career in the league. He had three successful seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, recording 11 or more points per game in each before seeing his role with the Spurs and New York Knicks shrink drastically this year.
In Philadelphia, he could hopefully rejuvenate his numbers to those early Spurs years as a regular member of the second unit. The 76ers need help in the forward room, and Sochan has the potential to provide that. It is, however, worth noting he has similar weaknesses to DeRozan.
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