PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers appears to be like to go over Willie Cauley-Stein #33 of the Dallas Mavericks at Wells Fargo Heart on February 25, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 3 free-agent facilities the Philadelphia 76ers ought to goal. NOTE TO USER: Person expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, Person is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Pictures License Settlement. (Photograph by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Pictures)
The Philadelphia 76ers are definitely a greater crew following the blockbuster commerce for former NBA MVP James Harden. As soon as Harden returns from his hamstring points, he’ll kind a formidable duo alongside the current MVP front-runner in Joel Embiid. The deal was a no brainer, because the 76ers had been chasing after Harden for months, however the transfer has left a gaping gap on this roster down low.
Philadelphia might use a backup heart after sending Andre Drummond to the Brooklyn Nets within the deal for Harden. Drummond had been enjoying properly behind Embiid this season, and Philly ought to be on the lookout for a substitute to offer the large man a breather when he’s off the ground.
Though they did get a longtime veteran in Paul Millsap alongside Harden in the trade, he’s solely 6-foot-7 and isn’t the reply to their heart predicament. Paul Reed and Charles Bassey are each inexperienced, which might drive the crew to show to the free-agent market so as to add some measurement and expertise earlier than the playoffs start.
With that being mentioned, allow us to take a look at three free-agent facilities for the Philadelphia 76ers to pursue.
3 free-agent facilities for the Philadelphia 76ers to focus on: Willie Cauley-Stein
Although he’s not a family identify, Willie Cauley-Stein has confirmed to be a strong participant all through his first few NBA seasons. The large man had been enjoying backup heart for the Dallas Mavericks over the previous few seasons earlier than they waived him again in January. He was a serviceable rotational piece for them throughout his two and a half seasons with the franchise, and the 76ers might look to get him again within the league.
Cauley-Stein by no means averaged the gaudiest numbers – 4.5 factors and 4 rebounds in 84 video games with Dallas – however he might be a satisfactory backup for the 76ers. Standing at a towering 7-feet tall with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, the large man might present a hulking presence on the court docket when Embiid takes his breaks.
Though he has by no means been an elite shot-blocking massive, Cauley-Stein has averaged practically one blocked shot per sport for his profession, that means he might give safety near the ring for Philadelphia, along with some rebounding.
In the end, this might be about including a middle that has expertise. Cauley-Stein is 28 years outdated, and the previous sixth general choose definitely might need one thing left to offer if he’s on the lookout for his subsequent shot within the NBA.
He could be a low-risk, high-reward signing for a Philadelphia crew that’s on the hunt for measurement off the bench. Cauley-Stein missed 5 weeks earlier this season due to personal reasons, which was partially why he was waived, but when he is able to get again in motion, the 76ers ought to name.
