Philadelphia 76ers: 5 Free Agents the Sixers Desperately Need This Summer

The Philadelphia 76ers had a great year in 2011-12. They had an above .500 record for the first time since 2004, and they advanced past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

They improved from last year and honestly should be in the conference finals right now.

The future is very bright for a team that was not long ago in NBA purgatory.

Their young core is exciting to watch and they have a steady group of veterans who know how to lead.

Here are five free agents the Sixers need to sign this summer.

Andre Miller

The other 'Dre (Andre Miller) had a great run as a Sixer from 2006-2009. He was a part of the Allen Iverson trade that sent AI to Denver and brought Miller to Philly.

A savvy veteran who knows how to win, Miller would be great coming off the bench and serving as a mentor to Jrue Holiday. 

Lou Williams has a player option and he may not return next season.

Bringing back someone who has won here and has admiration and respect from the fans will be a great move for an already-popular management team.

Nick Young

Nick Young is an unrestricted free agent after spending a year with the Clippers. He previously played for the Washington Wizards before moving to L.A.

Young is a very gifted scorer and was a fan favorite in Washington. People there felt like he could be an All-Star player if he wasn't behind lead man Gilbert Arenas.

Perhaps a change of scenery in Philly could bring the best out of Young, who is only 26, and he could find himself in a sixth man or even starting shooting guard position with the up-and-coming Sixers.

Steve Novak

Known as "Novakaine" by Knicks fans, Steve Novak rose to prominence during the Linsanity era of the 2011-12 season.

He became known for his deadly three-point shot, which he shot at alarmingly accurate rate. He would be welcome in Philly where the team is desperate for a three-point shooter.

Jodie Meeks has done a decent job, but Novak would be a great upgrade.

Boris Diaw

Boris Diaw is currently enjoying a deep playoff run with the San Antonio Spurs. However, when the season is over, he will be an unrestricted free agent looking for a team to play for.

He is widely known across the league as one of the more versatile guys; he has size, shooting skills and is a great passer. He is also a great teammate and proven winner in the league.

The young Sixers would greatly benefit from having a guy like Diaw playing for them as expectations will be high for the team next season.

Chris Kaman

This Sixers are in need a scoring big man who has a reputation for being a winner in the NBA.

Spencer Hawes did an admirable job in 2011-12, playing like an All-Star in the very early part of the season before missing time due to injury.

Kaman may be older, but he would fit in on this team when they go into half-court sets or be a valuable backup.

Kaman offers size, defense and more importantly, a go-to guy down low. The Sixers would be foolish not to make a move for him.