With the free agency period under way since yesterday, the 76ers have been relatively quiet, other than to temper everyone’s enthusiasm in regard to bringing back Andre Miller. They are looking for other options, however and have targeted a few players who could be A.) Andre Miller’s successor and resident mentor to Jrue Holiday and B.) bench players who can score or defend. Some names to consider :
Mike Bibby, PG – Bibby would fit naturally into Miller’s former role, however he is less of a good fit in the 76ers up-tempo offense than Miller was. Provides good 3PT shooting, and veteran leadership with plenty of playoff experience. Look how good Atlanta got when he arrived…just saying. Don’t worry that he’s older than Johnny Drama.
Anderson Varejao, PF/C - If the 76ers could ever find a taker for Sammy Dalembert (to Detroit in a package for Rip anyone?) Varejao would be perfect for the athletic young wings around him who create. He could be a banger down low and provide toughness and an “enforcer” for Elton Brand. (Side Note: Doesn’t it sound kind of funny that a man that’s 6’8″ needs an “enforcer?” Yes and Yes.)
Shawn Marion, SF/PF – Again, the Matrix would be dependant on the 76ers making a trade (like packaging Thad Young with Sammy D’s UGLY contract) for this to work. It would also create the same problems evident now with having too much of the same player, but wouldn’t he look good running with the young 76ers? Yes, but i’d rather have Iggy playing 3 if we have to part with Thad and sign or trade for a legit “2.” (Also, he’s a coach killer in the mold of “Jack Parkman” from “Major League 2.” I could see him throwing a cigarette in Eddie Jordan’s face 25 minutes after a 120-97 loss with a smile suggesting the following; Your overrated GM gave me too much money and years to trade me because he thought i’d be a perfect fit in your offense so your stuck with me. Your Welcome!)
Raymond Felton, PG – He’s a restricted FA, but could the 76ers work out a sign and trade for him? Would they? remember, they want Holiday playing in at least two years, and Felton is seemingly young enough to be a PG of the future, not a stop gap. Think more in terms of an Anthony Parker as a stop gap, or Bibby. (Think of it like this: Your at a strip club and need to piss or get another drink. Most of the bar is doing this. The DJ knows this and calls up “Ecstasy” to the stage who happens to be stretch mark-laden and has a voice like “Babs” from “Entourage.” She’s essentially the “piss/get-a-drink/most guys are getting lap dances anyway girl” until “Chastity” (the 19 year old foreign chick) is ready to rock the stage. )
Other names that could help, to varying degrees: Luther Head, Jarret Jack, Bobby Jackson, Stephon Marbury (sounds crazy, but I believe he knows his role now), Grant Hill (looked good running with the Suns and he can still shoot efficiently) Gerald Green, Shelden Williams (young enough that he’s worth a flier).
Trade Update - The 76ers have been mum on this front as well, but it seems like we have learned four things about the 76ers plans in the trade market:
1.) They desperatly want to trade Sammy D
2.) They WILL package Speights or Thad Young to get it done
3.) They will sign and trade Andre Miller if they think they can get an attractive package in return
4.) They are NOT looking to deal Iguodala or Brand under any circumstances (mistake!!)
What a terribly unimpressive list. I do like the idea of giving Shelden Williams a shot though.
I hear the Sixers have contacted Mike Bibby.
Actually, I hear it was the other way around. That Bibby’s agent contacted the Sixers. Anyhow, if Miller doesn’t re-sign, Bibby is a nice back up plan. He’d have to play for the mid level exemption.
I really like Steve Blake and hope they get that sign and trade done. Also, not sure if anybody notices but this team still needs a SG.
As far as your list goes, you should add TJ Ford, since it looks like Indiana is leaning towards trading him and not Jack.
Stefanski apparently made an inquiry regarding Jason Kidd, but Kidd is reportedly close to re-signing with Dallas.
There are some conflicting reports on Bibby. I had read he wanted to come to Philly, then I read that Philly contacted him and he wasnt interested in leaving ATL or the mid-level, so who knows what to believe.
Either way, I guess it looks less-and-less likely that Andre Miller will be back, which I think I am OK with, but havent really formed an opinion on that one yet.