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This has been an odd season for the Philadelphia 76ers. At times, they have looked like title contenders. At their best, they blew out the Milwaukee Bucks on Christmas Day. Philly has also gone on extended losing streaks, including a recent streak of four consecutive losses. Still, this squad can’t be written off. Draftkings Sportsbook still gives the Sixers the fourth best title odds at +900.
Latest updates, news, trade rumors for Philadelphia 76ers
Update, Jan. 20: The 76ers are kicking the tires on a potential trade for Derrick Rose. Playing for the Detroit Pistons, he’s having arguably his best season since his days with the Chicago Bulls. Rose is averaging 18.3 points per game on 50.3% shooting from the field. One potential issue, Rose is a ball dominant player and is only shooting 31.8% from three. He might not be the best fit on a Philly team already having floor spacing issues.
Yahoo Sources: Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers among teams that have expressed interest in trading for Detroit Pistons star Derrick Rose. https://t.co/z1lJKl5QpC
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 20, 2020
Update: Do the Sixers need more depth at center?
Embiid is out indefinitely while he recovers from a torn ligament in his left ring finger, which means Al Horford has been promoted to starting center. Horford is comfortable playing heavy minutes at center, as he spent quite a bit of time there during his time with the Boston Celtics. But things get shaky behind Horford, as his backups are Norvel Pelle, Kyle O’Quinn, and Jonah Bolden. It’s doubtful that Philadelphia wants any of those players being part of its regular rotation against contenders, so acquiring a veteran big man could be ideal — especially since Embiid has a history of getting hurt in the postseason.
Is It Time To Break Up Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid?
As has been the case for the last year and a half or so, it’s being asked whether the 76ers should part ways with either Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid. On offense, the fit is far from perfect. Both the stars need the ball in their hands to be effective and floor spacing is generally an issue. Embiid is a 32% shooter from three and Simmons is still an unwilling shooter from deep. On the positive side, Simmons has made a couple of threes season and it was thoroughly enjoyed by the masses on social media. Embiid is still only 25, while Simmons is 23. These are All-Star caliber players and I think it would be really premature to give up on the young duo. Don’t forget, this team was only knocked out of the playoffs last year against the Raptors, in a Game 7 and on a miracle shot by Kawhi Leonard that hit every part of the rim before falling in. If that shot doesn’t fall, the public perception of the Sixers could be vastly different.
Shooting, Shooting, Shooting
So, what do the 76ers need to make their All-Star duo a successful pair? I think the answer is pretty clearly surround them with a ton of shooters who can give them space to operate. The good news is that some of the shooting can come from within. Tobias Harris shot nearly 40% from three last season and is shooting 35.4% this season. Al Horford should also see some positive regression from beyond the arc. He’s a 36.5% shooter for his career and is shooting 34.1% this season. Unfortunately, the Sixers let J.J. Redick walk in free agency and he’s exactly what they need. Another great fit would have been Landry Shamet, who they traded to the Los Angeles Clippers last season as part of the Tobias Harris trade. Philly is going to need to find some similar players to wha they had to help the offense gel.