Philadelphia 76ers: 10 Players Who Can Take Them to Next Level in 2011-12
The Philadelphia 76ers head into the offseason on a sour note, but the future for this franchise looks bright.
The Sixers were ousted in five games against the No. 2 seed Miami Heat. After winning 14 more games than a season ago, Philadelphia is on the right track.
They have built their core group behind young players like Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams. Now they must take the next step for the 2011-2012 season.
In order to advance further into the playoffs, the Sixers will need someone that can help bring them to the next level.
Here are 10 players that the Sixers could go after (via trade, free agency, draft) this offseason to help them improve on their early first round exit.
Josh McRoberts, PF
1 of 10
Josh McRoberts has always been a serviceable big man since he came into the league four years ago. He finally cracked the starting lineup this year with the Pacers and established himself as a good compliment to Roy Hibbert.
In only 22 minutes per game, McRoberts averaged over seven points and five rebounds.
Instead of the sporadic Marreese Speights or the aging Tony Battie, imagine if the Sixers had a veteran who they knew what they would get night in and night out.
Glen Davis, C
2 of 10
Glen Davis is due for a big pay-raise this summer. Whether that is with the Boston Celtics or a new team is still yet to be determined.
Davis came into the NBA as an under-sized center who had a great college career at LSU.
He continues to prove critics wrong and prove to himself that he can play the power forward position in the NBA.
He brings great energy off the bench and provides great low-post defense that the Sixers desperately need.
Davis also brings a winning pedigree with him. Over the course of his four seasons with Boston, Davis and the Celtics averaged 59 wins per season. Not to mention he also has that ring on his finger.
Rasual Butler, SG
3 of 10
Where did Rasual Butler disappear to this season? After spending four seasons in New Orleans where Butler found his niche and was successful, the 2010-2011 season was not as accomplishing for the eight year veteran.
After being a starter for the better half of four seasons with the Hornets, Butler started only two games last season between the Clippers and Bulls.
Butler showed his potential to score the basketball when he got the opportunity to play in New Orleans. He averaged double figures in three of the four seasons.
It is no doubt that the Sixers need another scorer to add to the mix. Butler can step in right away at the shooting guard position.
Trey Thompkins, PF
4 of 10
Trey Thompkins is one of the more NBA-ready power forward prospects coming out of college.
He has the size and build (6'10" 250 pounds) to step in right away and contribute for an NBA team.
Thompkins may be available by the time Philly is on the clock and I am sure the Sixers are hoping that he is.
He is one of the most intriguing big men in this year's draft class. He has a great offensive game and great touch around the rim. The only current offensive threat down low for Philly is Elton Brand.
Thompkins would immediately bolster the Sixers' front court. A Brand-Thompkins combination down low could potentially be very good.
Samuel Dalembert, C
5 of 10
Very interesting. There is no way Sammy Dalembert resigns with the rebuilding Kings and he said he could see himself returning to Philadelphia.
Now the chances of this happening are probably not very good. However, the Sixers desperately need a backup center that will compliment Spencer Hawes. An athletic center who has both an offensive and defensive game like Sammy D could be that guy.
The problem with Dalembert has also been his sporadic play. One night he will drop 20 and 10 and then the day after he'd go scoreless and foul out.
If the Sixers could find a role for Dalembert off the bench, he could provide even more depth to already one of the deepest teams in the league.
Klay Thompson, SG
6 of 10
Who?
When you think about the top scorers from last year's college basketball season, you think of people like Jimmer Fredette, Kemba Walker and Nolan Smith.
Many people do not know of Klay Thompson because he is from a far west coast school, but he was a top 10 scorer in the country last year.
Thompson is limited athletically, but can turn into a J.J. Redick type player in the NBA. He has a great shot and an ability to score the basketball in more ways than one.
He is a hard worker who works continuously moves off the ball to create an open shot for himself.
A more athletic Kyle Korver.
Caron Butler, SF
7 of 10
OK, so this is my biggest reach on this list. Doesn't it sound good though?
It sure would, but it is highly unlikely with how much Caron Butler will command in free agency. The Sixers would have to unload some big contracts in order to pull this off.
Pairing Butler and Andre Iguodala could become a lethal duo. Yes they play the same position, but either of them are capable of playing the two. Remember, Iggy came into the league attempting to play the two with Allen Iverson.
Butler is the scorer that the Sixers need. Forget about a secondary scorer. Butler would immediately become the primary scorer for Philly.
We can only dream.
Keith Benson, C
8 of 10
Keith Benson is another intriguing draft prospect. He is a "late-bloomer" whose potential has yet to even be determined.
He is 6'11" and has a 7'2" wing-span. For being his size, one of Benson's greatest assets is his athleticism. He can run up and down the floor very well and has an athletic offensive game.
He is still very raw though and will take time to develop. Doug Collins seems like a guy that would love to develop a young kid like this.
Michael Redd, SG
9 of 10
Michael Redd is well past his prime and is oft-injured. He has only played in 61 games the past three seasons.
Finally a free agent, Redd can be signed this offseason as a low-risk moderate reward kind of guy.
Redd has always been a scorer and a superb shooter. His career average from downtown is over 38 percent.
Ever since the Sixers traded away Kyle Korver, they have been looking to replace their three-point threat.
Redd could finally be an answer
Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF
10 of 10
You can add Jordan Hamilton to the Sixers wish list for the upcoming NBA Draft.
Hamilton can become a perfect fit for Philly. He is a scorer that can either play the two or the three.
He uses his great size and strength to his advantage when he drives into the lane. He his a great finisher, due mainly in part to his above-average athleticism.
Most importantly, Hamilton is a shooter and a scorer. The Sixers are looking for that complimentary player that can step up and score in key situations.
