Did the Philadelphia 76ers have their best summer in terms of roster building?
It’s close, according to Athletics David AldridgeIn the NBA Reporter’s Top 10 Players of the Summer ranking, the Sixers came in second, behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I’m falling for Daryl Morey’s carnival!” Aldridge wrote. “He’s doing his Wizard of Odds thing, and I’m swooning like a Swiftie at an Eras tour concert.”
The Sixers’ president of basketball operations has always been a strong player in the offseason. On the court, things don’t always go as planned, but Morey is known for making big decisions and often making big moves in the offseason.
This season is no exception. The Sixers were expected to have a lot of salary cap space this summer, and they used it as best they could. Paul George, arguably the league’s top free agent this year, is headed to Philadelphia.
The Miami Heat lost a key player in Caleb Martin and had to see him sign with the 76ers. And after a playoff run filled with rebounding struggles, the Sixers got back one of the NBA’s best rebounders in Andre Drummond.
Beyond the big-name additions, the Sixers managed to bring in some interesting names for the depth department in Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson. They also made two draft picks, bringing in a talented guard in Jared McCain and an intriguing center in Adem Bona.
In addition to their newly acquired players, the Sixers also retained Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, Kyle Lowry and KJ Martin.
The Sixers’ execution this offseason may have been nearly perfect based on their blueprint. While it’s a big step in the right direction after their first-round elimination from the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Aldridge understandably has concerns as well.
“Is this going to last, especially with Embiid and George’s injury history, 34?” Aldridge added. “Can Caleb Martin recreate his postseason moments in Miami, replacing Batum? Can McCain fit into the rotation? Will Oubre continue to provide the boost he did last season on a contract that proves he’s good? I don’t know. I’m too busy looking at the shiny watch Morey just pulled out of his pocket.”
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The Sixers have a lot to prove next season. Even if they end the summer happy with the roster they’ve assembled for next year, they have to understand that the road to a title hasn’t gotten much easier.
The Eastern Conference remains strong, knowing that the Boston Celtics won’t see much change after winning the NBA Finals. Aldridge ranks the Celtics fifth in terms of having a great offseason. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks are right behind Philly after their busy offseasons.
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