As a result of the signing of Caleb Martin a few weeks ago. The Philadelphia 76ers now have a complete starting five, heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. However, one of their biggest needs is a backup power forward who can help Philly stay afloat when Martin goes to the bench. The Sixers do still have a couple of roster spots that are still open. One of those spots should be used to find a backup power forward, either via free agency or trading for one. If Daryl Morey and the rest of Philly’s front office can find a suitable player, this will be one of the deepest rosters in the association.
3 Forward Options For The Philadelphia 76ers
Marcus Morris
Marcus Morris is a player who is available right now and could fill the backup power forward role for Philly. He is a player the Sixers are very familiar with, as they signed him last offseason on a minimum deal. However, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers as part of the Sixers acquisition of Buddy Hield in February. Morris was waived and would later sign with the Cavs. Nevertheless, Morris definitely fits the role of a player who is tough, can grab rebounds, and put the ball in the basket.
He scored 6.4 points per game, hit 40.3% of his three-pointers, and had a 43.9% field goal percentage. Also, his scoring should increase thanks to the wide-open shots Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George create for their teammates. In addition, Morris would be an excellent pick-up for a team that needs more mental toughness on the roster. Ultimately he would be the perfect fit for Philly if they chose to sign him. Morris’ contract could also be used in a trade for a better option at power forward at the trade deadline in February.
Robert Covington
Another free agency option at power forward for the Sixers is Robert Covington. The Sixers acquired him last October in the James Harden trade. When healthy Covington is a great player, and back-up option at power or small forward. However, his season with Philly was cut short because of a leg injury he suffered mid-way through the season. If his rehab is going well, and he can still shut people down on the defensive end.
Additionally, Covington’s toughness and length as a defender make him a player who the Sixers have to take a look at. What he lacks in scoring he makes up for with the hustle plays and the turnovers he creates. The Sixers need more lengthy defenders who can help their perimeter defensive scheme. Covington can certainly do that and give them another tough veteran presence. For a team that is at least on paper a legitimate title contender for this upcoming season. If Philly can get a healthy Covington that just makes a talented roster even deeper.
Dorian Finney-Smith
Dorian Finney-Smith is a player the Sixers have been linked to throughout the offseason. He is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets, so Philly would have to acquire him through a trade. That might not happen by the start of the regular season, but it could be an option in February since Brooklyn is expected to be one of the worst teams in the league. As a result, the Sixers and other contenders will be paying close attention to Finney-Smith. He is now one of the best players on the Nets roster currently, and the Sixers will be one team of many calling Brooklyn about his availability.
Finney-Smith is a good defender who is one of the best cheap stretch-forward options in the league. He scored 8.5 points per night and made 34.8% of his three-pointers last season. Many nights Finney-Smith was tasked with guarding the best scoring option on the opposing team. Additionally, his scoring average should increase this upcoming season, since he will be one of the top four scoring options the Nets have on their roster. If he can take advantage of that opportunity and become a better player. He might end up as a Sixer or on another team contending for a title by February 2025 at the latest.
With options dwindling at free agency. The Sixers may need to either make a trade or sign a player they can steal minutes with. Until a better trade option becomes available either later in the offseason or during the trade deadline.
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