The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to replace a lot of production. Unfortunately, Joel Embiid will miss significant time after suffering a knee injury. However, sitting at fifth in the East, they are not giving up. They sit 10 games above .500, with a 30-20 record. Is this move enough to weather the season until a potential Embiid return?
Philadelphia 76ers Trade Assets For Scoring Star
Although extension talks failed during the summer, the Indiana Pacers held onto Buddy Hield. However, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that the Philadelphia 76ers made a deal to acquire him. In return, the Pacers are receiving, Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz, and three second-round picks.
While this is a fairly decent haul, that’s what it was going to take to move him. The Pacers wanted to hold onto Hield and keep their corps intact. Through the first part of the season, they are 29-23 and just behind the 76ers in the standings in sixth place. However, despite their record, and better outlook for the season, the team from the “City of Brotherly Love” showed how much they thought of Hield’s talents.
Pacers legend, Buddy Hield.#BoomBaby pic.twitter.com/LJT75nE0Nc
— Zach Vogt (@ZachVogt30) February 8, 2024
Ultimately, they provided a package that was enough to lure him away from Indiana. While the players they gave up can play a pivotal role on a playoff team, they saw the upside of adding Hield now to be essential.
Both teams view themselves in win-now mode. And while losing Hield affects your scoring ceiling, the Pacers believe enough in their nucleus to continue to compete. Especially as they are led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Philadelphia 76ers Current Roster
Conversely, the 76ers look to maintain their record despite losing Embiid. Regardless of who they gave up, they still have Tyrese Maxey. Although some may consider him still an emerging star, he has proven his worth at the NBA level.
Adding a three-point specialist will undoubtedly help. Maxey can score at all three levels. However, when he chooses to take defenders into the paint, his spacing will be helped with this latest addition. This is particularly true as Hield is when of the streakiest best shooters in the game! When he’s hot he’s on fire!
Also, adding Hield will be of great use when Tobias Harris decides to play in the low post. Without having to worry about clogging the floor for Embiid, he’s likely to see an increased role. Regardless of how you view it, expect a lot of two=man action. Either between Harris and Hield or Harris and Hield. Defenders will be forced to pick their poison.
Philadelphia 76ers Won The Trade?
Long term, this move should continue to benefit the Philadelphia 76ers. At the moment, it appears that Embiid will be out for at least four weeks. However, even if he recovers quickly from the knee procedure, it will take some time for him to get back into game shape.
But when he does return, he’ll enjoy being able to kick out to Hield. The Oklahoma Sooners product continues to draw a lot of gravity when he is on the floor, and this should help the offense. Even when Embiid returns, the upside of adding Hield’s scoring should help.
Also, for this year, in a highly competitive East, the team just needs to stay afloat. Regardless of when their top player returns, having someone who can go for 30+ a night will help. The Philadelphia 76ers sacrificed a little bit from their future and depth, but ultimately this move should pay off!
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Gabriel Enjoys all things sports! Football, soccer, basketball, volleyball. You name it! Huge fan of the Nebraska Huskers and New England Patriots. Even bigger advocate of running the football!
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