The Sixers are facing three decisions this fall that will affect the future of the franchise, writes Derek Bodner of The Athletic (subscription site).
Philadelphia hasn’t posted a winning record since going 35-31 in the lockout-shortened 2011/12 season, but years of acquiring draft picks and other assets seem ready to pay off. The Sixers appear to have the talent on hand to be perennial playoff contenders, but Bodner identifies three immediate issues that must be resolved.
- Will Robert Covington receive an extension? Covington started all 67 games he played last season and is expected to keep that role at small forward for 2017/18. The team’s best perimeter defender and a career .354 shooter from 3-point range, Covington will make less than $1.6MM in his fifth NBA season. Headed for free agency next summer, he is in a unique situation that lets him either extend his current contract or renegotiate the entire thing, including the upcoming season. Bodner speculates that Philadelphia may use some of its $15MM in remaining cap money to boost Covington’s salary for 2017/18 and save on the rest of the contract. Nothing can happen until November 15, the three-year anniversary of when Covington signed his current deal, and sources tell Bodner there is interest in a long-term relationship.
- Will Joel Embiid receive an extension? Embiid posted massive numbers during his rookie season, although the team played him in just 31 games with limited minutes so there wouldn’t be a repeat of the injuries that wiped out his first two NBA seasons. Without an extension, Embiid will be a restricted free agent next summer, but the injury risks make it a difficult decision as Bodner notes that Embiid hasn’t been cleared for five-on-five activity at camp. Bodner speculates that 60 games of being healthy could be enough for Embiid to land a maximum offer. He adds that Embiid will have an $18.3MM cap hold next summer, which will affect the Sixers’ plans in free agency. Bodner suggests a compromise where the Sixers commit to a max yearly average with only part of it guaranteed. He relays that the front office has talked to Embiid’s representatives about an extension and there appears to be mutual interest.
- Will Jahlil Okafor‘s option be picked up? The third pick in the 2015 draft has been a disappointment in his first two seasons, although injuries have been a factor. Okafor would make more than $6.3MM in 2018/19 if the team exercises its option, which could cut into its ability to make a max offer to free agents. Also, Embiid is clearly the center of the future if he stays healthy, so it’s hard to envision a significant role for Okafor. The Sixers could elect to pick up the option and try to rebuild Okafor’s trade value, but Bodner sees that as a risky strategy.
First two are a must. The third has to be traded for a 4 that can rebound and score inside to match the stretch work Saric and Covington can do.
Noah Vonleh? Only trade candidate for Okafor that I can think of off the top of my head
The 4 you are describing is the 4 the Sixers still hope Okafor turns in to. May as well keep him aboard and pick up the option.
There are two problems with that though. First, Okafor probably doesn’t want his option picked up and if the Sixers do that, then they strain a relationship with the agent and maintaining good relationships are vital. Second, Okafor cannot guard 4’s and has been a negative when playing with Embiid
RoCo being extended isn’t a decision, it’s what’s going to happen. He’s a great defender and decent shooter. Barring injuries, the Sixers are the greatest threat to the Warriors in a couple years due to their size, versatility, and defense which is what Cov brings
Lol, 2 of your best 3 players haven’t played a game in the NBA and the 3rd has played 30+ in 3 seasons. Stay High Brother!
I guess you missed the barring injury part of my comment
How about the Wolves and Celtics?
Honestly, I don’t see the Wolves being on that level. Up to this point, Wiggins and KAT have been awful defenders (I know they’re young) and there’s only one ball and Teague, Butler, and Wiggins are ball dominant. The Celtics will be good, but the Sixers are (without injuries and in a couple years) a better matchup with Golden State due to their size and ability to switch screens.
The Bucks will be a big threat too depending on Jabari’s knee and Thon’s development
Well said Compton. I understand why Philly fan is so amped after what they’ve been through the last couple of years, but you may want to cool down just a bit.
I would be very concerned about Embiid’s future. The L is littered with big men who’s knee and foot problems derailed their careers. Check out San Bowie’s second year (on minutes restriction) of 12PPG, 8.5RPG, 2.5 APG and 2.5 BPG. He did that in 38 games, and then played 62 total over the next three years.
Greg Oden’s third year was the first of five straight he would miss with injuries.
So much of what could make you a contender should scare the heck out of you. If Embiid is never able to stay healthy consistently, and Simmons either does not stay healthy or fit well with Fultz on the team, you could be back to the come run with us Sixers days of Jrue, Iggy, Thad and a .500 record.
Also, Covington is the best contract in basketball, Slightly ahead of Jae. You resign him at anything less than $10M a year.
Embiid’s foot injury is a little concerning but Philly kept him out two years and put him on minutes restriction so he’d be 100% for the future. And his knee injury was a torn meniscus which almost every NBA player has had. Simmons is the pg and Fultz was ran off ball in summer league so the fit should be fine. And Simmons isn’t injury prone, he had one foot injury which Kevin Durant had a few years ago and that was because Shawn Long stepped on his foot in practice. There are no worries there. Plus, in my orginal comment I said, “barring injuries.” I agree with your last comment and I think Cov will sign at a figure similar to Matthew Dellavedova’s or Tony Snell’s
You don’t say no to Covington at $10m/yr or $11 or $14. Heck if Miami locked up three role players similar to Covington (in value) for over $10m annual average each, then Covington can ask for more. May as well give him $15m the first year and then drop it down to $10m the next three years.
If they’re serious about winning now, setting a pace, rewarding their fans for waiting, and getting their place sold out– they should use part of that capspace to buy a contract.
Embiid may not be brittle, simply coddled by a team in future mode like the Cavs with Irving, but it would be a risk to deal Okafor.
Covington however looks safe, improving yearly, but as an undrafted should not need a $15-10-10-10 to re-sign. There will still be room next year when Amir J &JJR come off, although they will probably still need a shooter at G.
If injuries happen again, the process will continue until sixers have a starting lineup of number one picks and a rotation of lottery picks.