So far, so good for the Philadelphia 76ers offseason. They only made one significant move in the 2022 NBA Draft but found themselves a near-perfect piece. The Sixers have already taken care of one of their key needs.
Trading their first-round pick and Danny Green for De'Anthony Melton was a Bryce Harper-esque home run for the Sixers. The young wing from the Memphis Grizzlies is just what they need and the price they paid for him was very fair. Rather than take a gamble on a rookie, they found a young two-way player who already has playoff experience.
Philadelphia can't stand around and just celebrate the Melton deal, though. There is still a lot of work to do with the roster. While James Harden's contract is worked out, the Sixers have to tweak the roster around him, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The willingness to trade anyone but those three is very important for the Sixers. They don't necessarily have to overhaul their supporting cast but definitely need to make one notable addition this offseason.
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Sixers Need After 2022 NBA Draft
Philadelphia addressed one of its critical needs during the draft by acquiring Melton. They got themselves a defensive-minded guard who can step into the starting lineup. Now, they should look for a shot-creator to elevate their offense.
With Harden's scoring numbers dissipating and Harris and Maxey struggling in the postseason, the Sixers need another player who can generate shots for themselves (and preferably for teammates as well). Someone who can handle the ball and/or break down defenses to open up shots and driving lanes is a clear need that has yet to be addressed.
Melton can help in this regard, as he has the ability to shoot from deep, get his own shot from time to time and has a good sense for making plays. His best role is as a shooter/slasher on the wing feeding off of other ball-handlers and passers. Since he will either be taking a spot in the starting lineup or as the sixth man, Philly could still use another reliable scoring threat.
De'Anthony Melton 2021-22 Highlight Reel I WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA
Daryl Morey made an EXCELLENT trade, here is why De'Anthony Melton a great addition for the Sixers roster and what you should expect in 2022-23 👇#Sixers #HereTheyCome #DeAnthonyMelton pic.twitter.com/EpddUinpNZ
— MRCROCKPOT TPL (@mrcrockpot) June 24, 2022
Since the Sixers don't have tons of cap space and therefore can only use their mid-level exception, their options are limited. Using Tobias Harris in a trade for a star like Zach LaVine or Kyrie Irving is possible but not likely to happen. Swinging a trade for someone using the combined contracts of Georges Niang, Furkan Korkmaz and/or Matisse Thybulle is more realistic and could be enough to get someone like Devonte' Graham, Jordan Clarkson or former Sixer Alec Burks.
Players like Tyus Jones, Jeremy Lamb and Malik Monk could each be useful and potentially available for the $10 million MLE (though Philly has to create that space). The Sixers are working with no space in their salary cap and are currently in the luxury tax, so finding a reliable option on the open market is tough. If the Sixers can't find ways to shed salary, their odds of finding someone who will be useful come playoff time are extremely slim.
A sixth man who can keep the offense going would make the most sense lineup-wise. However, anyone who can help the Embiid-Harden-Maxey-Harris would be a good addition. The Sixers simply need to get someone who can give the offense another boost.
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