Grading each Philadelphia 76ers move from their rock solid 2024 offseason
With the Philadelphia 76ers’ training camp nearly a month away (October 1st), their roster is seemingly set for the start of the 2024-2025 season.
Following the signing of French power forward Guerschon Yabusele, Philadelphia has filled all but one roster spot, which is by design accord to the team’s President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey.
The 76ers had a transformative offseason with their colossal addition of star forward Paul George as well as many other quality signings that nicely rounded out their revamped roster.
Here’s my letter grades for each of the team’s newest additions:
Philadelphia 76ers signing Paul George: A
Paul George was the first big domino to fall in this year’s free agency class as he inked a deal with the 76ers for $212 million over the course of four years.
With a rather weak free agency landscape and trade market in terms of star power, Philadelphia utilized their financial flexibility to the best of their ability given the circumstances.
While George isn’t the same MVP-level player he once was with the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, his fit next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey is seamless.
On paper, the 76ers’ newest trio is the best big three in the NBA with George’s abilities as a two-way wing.
His spot-up perimeter shooting, capabilities as a three-level scorer, and ability to create his shot in spurts will provide a much-needed boost to Philadelphia’s offense, especially come the playoffs.
Philadelphia 76ers extending Tyrese Maxey: A+
The second domino to fall for the 76ers was the five-year/$204 million extension given to star guard Tyrese Maxey.
Signing Paul George to a max contract wouldn’t have been possible without Maxey waiting to get the extension and needless to say, Maxey is worth every penny of his new contract.
The 23-year-old phenom took a major leap to stardom last season, winning the 2024 Most Improved Player and being selected to the all-star team for the first time in his young career.
Maxey posted career highs in both points and assists per game, evolving into a dynamic offensive threat, most notably driving to the rim and creating his shot at an elite level from the perimeter.
With a relentless work ethic, it’s a safe bet to assume that Maxey will only improve over the years and potentially turn into an MVP caliber player down the line with his surreal scoring talents.
Philadelphia 76ers drafting Jared McCain and Adem Bona: A-
With the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, Philadelphia controversially selected Duke guard Jared McCain.
While McCain was a solid selection, there were arguably better options available such as small forward Dalton Knecht, who likely has a higher ceiling and power forward Tristain Da Silva, a more complete player.
Still, McCain has a lot of potential as a high volume movement shooter and could develop into a capable secondary ball-handler, which would be a perfect compliment to Joel Embiid on the floor.
At 41st overall, the 76ers took UCLA center Adem Bona, which proved to be a steal based off his strong Summer League performance. Bona showed a lot of potential as high motor shot-blocking and rim-running big.
76ers re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr: A-
After signing to a veteran minimum in 2023, Kelly Oubre Jr. quickly became a fan favorite in the City of Brotherly Love with his energy and bucket-getting.
Despite subpar perimeter shooting, Oubre proved he could contribute to winning basketball as he took leaps as a defender and decision-maker at the rim.
His efforts were awarded with the team retaining him on a two-year/$16.4 million deal to likely serve once more as Tyrese Maxey’s backcourt partner.
If Oubre refines his shooting and remains an active back-cutter, he’ll be a perfectly complimentary option, similar to what Aaron Gordon brings to the Denver Nuggets.
Philadelphia 76ers signing Caleb Martin: A+
On top of acquiring the biggest star on the free agent market, Philadelphia may have also gotten the biggest steal of free agency, snagging wing Caleb Martin on a four-year/$35 million contract.
Martin was expected to get larger contract, but due to the NBA’s new second tax apron, the league’s middle class of role players like him died down as teams weren’t able to offer much.
Likely slotting in at the four, Martin will offer two-way versatility that the 76ers have lacked with his ability to knock down spot-up threes, excel as a point-of-attack defender, and get to the rim on occasion.
What Martin lacks in size at power forward, he makes up with his ability to switch defensively that’ll will allow head coach Nick Nurse to implement a switch-heavy defensive scheme with him on the floor.
Philadelphia 76ers signing Andre Drummond: A
Ever since the 76ers traded Andre Drummond to the Brooklyn Nets in a package for James Harden in 2022, Drummond’s services have been greatly missed as they’ve lack a consistent backup center since.
In Philadelphia’s first round loss to the New York Knicks, a glaring issue the team had was their rebounding and size, or lack their of. With Drummond returning on a two-year/$10 million contract, the veteran center will bring just that.
During his brief stint with the 76ers in 2021-2022, Drummond thrived backing up Joel Embiid where he dominated both ends of the glass and served as a fierce lob threat.
Philadelphia should expect more of the same this time around, but time will tell if Drummond’s defensive weaknesses will plague the team when the postseason rolls around.
Philadelphia 76ers re-signing Kyle Lowry: B+
After bringing in Paul George, retaining Kelly Oubre Jr, and locking up Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia was in grave need of guard who could tie it all together as a floor general.
Bringing back Kyle Lowry on a veteran minimum was a no-brainer as the hometown hero seems to want to finish his decorated career in Philadelphia alongside Nick Nurse.
Lowry was originally acquired by the 76ers following his buyout from the Charlotte Hornets last season. The veteran guard proved himself as solid facilitator and capable perimeter shooting.
However, at 38 years old, Lowry might not have the juice to be a starter on a contending team, but rather the backup point guard who’ll run the second unit, which is a role he’d thrive in at this stage of his career.
Philadelphia 76ers signing Eric Gordon: C+
In one of their first free agency moves, Philadelphia signed veteran wing Eric Gordon to a two-year/$6.8 million contract, likely replacing sharpshooter Buddy Hield, who joined the Golden State Warriors via sign-and-trade.
Throughout his career, Gordon has been a high-level role player on playoff teams, most notably the James Harden-led Houston Rockets. With his versatile shot creation and perimeter shooting, the veteran still has something to bring to the table in 2024.
Still, with Gordon set to turn 36 years old this season, many are left to wonder how much he has left in the tank and if he can handle big rotational minutes that can otherwise be used on guys like Ricky Council IV or Reggie Jackson.
Philadelphia 76ers signing Reggie Jackson: C
Veteran guard Reggie Jackson, who inked a minimum contract with Philadelphia, was a late free agency addition that solidified the team’s back-court depth.
Amid the later stages of free agency, Jackson was one of the best players available and with him and Lowry, Nick Nurse has a solid amount of players to tinker with in the rotation.
While Lowry provides playmaking, Jackson supplies microwave scoring, which could be volatile in the playoffs at points where the 76ers are in need of a few buckets.
The signing of Jackson didn’t move the needle much, nor did it address Philadelphia’s lack of a traditional power forward. But, Daryl Morey’s latest and possibly final signing certainly acknowledged the need.
Philadelphia 76ers signing Guerschon Yabusele: B+
In a surprising move, the 76ers used one of their final roster spots to sign Real Madrid forward on Guerschon Yabusele to a veteran minimum contract.
Yabusele broke out for Team France during the 2024 Olympics, going as far as putting LeBron James on a poster during the championship game against Team USA.
At 6’8/271 pounds, the 76ers finally added a true power forward to the fold, which will help them in matchups against bigger teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, who Philadelphia is facing in their season opener.
Yabusele plays with great energy that allows him to crash the boards, swat shots in the paint, and soar to the rim for an emphatic dunk. The forward is an excellent back-door cutter, a capable off-the-catch shooter, and a great help defender down low.
Mandatory Credit: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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