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Which Sixers buyout targets make sense over the next week or so?
LaMarcus Aldridge has signed with the Brooklyn Nets. Andre Drummond recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Two of the names that would make the most sense for the Philadelphia 76ers to sign are now out of the buyout market.
So should the Sixers still pursue a player in the buyout market? In a recent interview, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said that if ever they will venture into the buyout market, they will be looking for a big man to shore up their frontcourt.
Sixers buyout targets 2021
But with Aldridge and Drummond already off the board, the Sixers may find it difficult to snag a big man who could immediately contribute.
However, if the Sixers are really bent on signing another center who could serve as insurance to Joel Embiid and Dwight Howard, here are a few names that could appear on their buyout radar.
DeMarcus Cousins
At this point of his career, it’s just hard to anticipate what you’re getting from DeMarcus Cousins. He tallied 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Houston Rockets this season, but the team waived him after 25 games.
Cousins could still be a factor on offense with his occasional scoring off the post or his knack for delivering accurate kick-outs to wide-open shooters. But these are not enough to make up for his liabilities on the defensive end of the floor.
Cousins is having a lot of trouble keeping up on multiple switches. If he switches onto a quicker perimeter player, it’s almost like gifting an automatic bucket to the opposing team.
I doubt that Cousins will be in Doc Rivers‘ rotation but he should be able to provide nice spot-up minutes if either one of Embiid or Howard gets injured.
Hassan Whiteside
With Gorgui Dieng recently joining the San Antonio Spurs, the Sixers could turn their sights on Hassan Whiteside. Just like with Cousins, Whiteside should serve as insurance in case of injuries.
Despite his obvious limitations, Whiteside is still a great rebounder and a good rim protector.
Don’t forget that he is coming off a season where he led the league in blocks per game. Similar to Cousins’ weakness, it’s on multiple switches that Whiteside is a liability. Can a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Ben Simmons cover for Whiteside’s mistakes on that end of the floor? We’ll see.
Otto Porter Jr.
Otto Porter is not a center, but there’s no doubt that he could defend all the guard and forward positions. Porter has dealt with consecutive injuries in the past couple of years, but he is still a good 3-and-D stalwart who thrives on defense.
Aside from his defensive prowess, people also sleep on the fact that Porter has been one of the most efficient long-range gunners in the NBA since his third year in the league.
He is producing a stellar 39% clip from beyond the arc this season, so I could see him potentially closing out games with Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris.
If the Orlando Magic reaches a buyout agreement with Porter, the Sixers should try signing the versatile forward.
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