As a result of the Philadelphia 76ers signing guard Reggie Jackson a few days ago. They only have one roster spot left, to sign a player for the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season. Additionally, one remaining weakness on the team is the lack of depth at the power forward position. Daryl Morey and the rest of their front office should be looking to fill that spot with a player who can play at that position. Let’s examine three candidates for the Sixers’ open roster spot.
3 Options For The Philadelphia 76ers Final Roster Spot
Davis Bertans
Throughout the offseason, it was apparent that the Sixers front office wanted players on their roster, who could hit three-pointers and play defense. A player who is currently available who fits that three-point specialist need is Davis Bertans. In addition, Bertans is a player who has torched the Sixers with his three-point ability on numerous occasions. If Philly could add him with their last remaining roster spot it would add even more firepower to a deep bench.
Bertans career averages are 7.7 points per game, 42.2% from the field, and 37.5% on three-pointers. Also, last season he was recovering from an injury. However, if he has an opportunity to get his shot off he will torch an opposing team and is the type of player the Sixers need at power or small forward. Furthermore, his versatility allows the Sixers to put multiple defenders and offensive players around him to really tire their opponents out during an 82-game regular season.
He is the type of player that could have a career renaissance taking advantage of the wide-open shots. Especially those created through the defensive attention Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George get from opposing teams. The Sixers should see if they can convince Bertans to come to Philly and be a key piece in their second unit.
Jae Crowder
If the Sixers decide they want a player who can provide toughness and a veteran presence. Signing Jae Crowder could be a great option for them as well. Crowder provides a dog mentality and willingness to do the little things that contribute to winning. Having a player like him on the roster would strengthen the mental toughness of the Sixers. Notably, that has been a weakness of previous squads Philly has put together.
Last season, Crowder scored 6.2 points per game, made 42.2% of his field goals, and made 34.9% of his three-pointers. He was a key piece off the bench for the Milwaukee Bucks. What the Sixers could offer him is an opportunity to be a contributor on a contending team. Other than Adem Bona there is not a pure power forward on the roster currently. If Bona struggles or hits the rookie wall. Crowder could be in line to get that spot at backup power forward and have many opportunities to increase his scoring average. With the way, the Sixers keep the ball moving and create high-percentage shooting opportunities for the players on the roster. That opportunity should make them a prime contender for bringing Crowder to Philly.
Gordon Hayward
One of the biggest surprises of the offseason so far is that Gordon Hayward is not on an NBA roster yet. As a result of that lack of interest from other teams. The Sixers might be able to get one of the best versatile contributors in the league, at an unbelievably cheap price.
Hayward averaged 9.8 points per game, made 46.4% of his field goals, and made 41.1% of his three-pointers. He only played in 51 games for the Charlotte Hornets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Philly will not be able to offer Hayward the starting role he is holding out for. However, they will be able to offer him a sixth man/key role player role. Hayward is the perfect player to lead a second unit with his versatility and scoring ability. He can either hit a shot from beyond the arc or attack the paint.
Also, Hayward can bring a scoring punch to the Sixers’ second unit that they have not had in a long time. He may not be a great defender, but with Nick Nurse coaching him up, he can improve in that aspect of his game. If he can do that along with providing that scoring off the bench the Sixers will be in a great position to bring a championship back to Philly in June.
