Why the Reality of Tobias Leaving Is Not the End for the Sixers
The Sixers season did not end the way we would have liked, and with that being said, it’s time to focus on potentially the biggest free agent in team history.
There are so many questions to be answered. For starters, the main question is who to resign and who to let walk. That question is followed by that is how much and who is worth the max.
With reports of Tobias and Brooklyn having a mutual interest, it is clear that if the Sixers truly want to resign him they need to give him an offer he cannot refuse. But if the team fails and Tobias leaves then the questions start floating around with what’s next and did Elton ruin the future by making the big gamble.
With all signs leading towards Jimmy, Mike Scott, and JJ resigning, the Sixers must now attack the obvious problems that cost them the series against Toronto. Those major problems consist of a true point guard to play the backup role, a 3 and D vet, and the biggest problem, a backup center.
Assuming Tobias leaves in free agency, the Sixers can still hit a home run and come out as winners. Some key players to look at for the center position are Kevon Looney, Kyle O’Quinn, and Robin Lopez. These players all have proved to be valuable role players and can start throughout the season when Embiid needs rest. The most attractive one is Looney, followed by Lopez, then O’Quinn.
The Sixers clearly need a backup point guard. Unfortunately, TJ cannot get it done in the playoffs although he is a huge spark plug. Some key players to look at are Pat Beverley, Cory Joseph, and Ricky Rubio. Ideally, Beverley would be an amazing asset and could bring the attitude Mike Scott brings off the bench and be a defensive stopper and spark plug the team needs. Cory Joseph has experience as a starter and would be a great backup point guard. Ricky Rubio has a history of being a playmaker which is crucial for a bench that fails to create their own shot. The team also has the option to trade for a point guard. It is highly doubtful that the team uses all of their second round picks to be on the lookout for a package to get done.
The wing position is another place where they can add depth. Bringing back James Ennis III on a new deal is a solid option but there are some better options to explore knowing the team has money to spend. It doesn’t hurt to take a shot at KD or Klay. But realistically, Terrance Ross or Bojan Bogdanovic are more valuable options than the rest of the field. Both these players are 3 and D and can get hot at any moment, something Tobias was missing in big games.
Another player to key in on would be Charlotte’s, Jeremy Lamb. Lamb has shown potential over his years for the Hornets along with spurts of great offense, but in the right system, he could really flourish.
The best possible situation for the Sixers is to sign Kevon Looney, Patrick Beverley, Bojan Bogdanovic, and put together a trade package to acquire Dennis Schroder. With Bojan getting older and Looney not getting starter money this could provide the team with a good chance to make a run by providing bench scoring, defense, and depth. All providing a veteran presence and being able to step up into a starting position at any point is a key factor in when looking at and valuing the skill set of each player.
With free agency and the draft around the corner, it could be the make or break for the Sixers’ future and with what is at stake. The team can make a serious push at a championship and sit atop the East with a few major moves, but if they strike out, they may be out of serious contention for 3-4 years.
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