The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to build an annual title contender around Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey has become a star, but the franchise has an imperfect list. They need more talent and role players who showcase their stars if they want to win another championship.
The Sixers plan to make a sensation this summer. Embiid is the only player on its roster with a guaranteed contract for the 2024-25 season. Daryl Morey aims for a third star before re-signing Tyrese Maxey and building his team. Philly may have to settle for adding more depth and thus improving their chances.
The 76ers had the talent to be one of the best teams in the NBA, but they let players slip for a variety of reasons. If they had these talents in the City of Brotherly Love, they would be in the championship race.
The Sixers signed Drummond to a one-year veteran minimum contract during the 2021 offseason, but he didn’t even last a full season in Philadelphia. The two-time All-Star was dealt to Brooklyn as part of the James Harden for Ben Simmons trade at the 2022 deadline. He became a free agent after the season and signed a multi-year contract with the Bulls.
Drummond remains an elite rebounder and good finisher at the rim. He would play behind Joel Embiid but could play a larger role with the big man sidelined. Drummond is 91st in win shares this season. He’s no longer a star, but the 30-year-old big man would be the ideal replacement for the 76ers superstar. Philadelphia got him, but let him go too quickly.
Would a backup center be enough to make them title contenders? Nick Nurse has depth and versatility when each player is healthy. Getting a little more production at the five would certainly help the 76ers climb the standings, but he’s far from the only former player helping their current cause.
