The Philadelphia 76ers did an excellent job of upgrading the depth on their roster this offseason, filling a few positions of need. After being eliminated in the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the front office sought out movies to help make sure that won’t happen again.
Looking to add another ball-handler to the mix behind Tyrese Maxey and James Harden, the team acquired De’Anthony Melton from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Danny Green and a 2022 first-round pick. With Green likely out for the season because of a knee injury suffered in the playoffs, this was a smart move to make.
In free agency, the team signed P.J. Tucker and Danuel House Jr. Tucker’s acquisition was a win on multiple fronts as Philadelphia not only improved their team but diminished one of their rivals’ teams in the process, weakening the Miami Heat.
The 76ers are bringing the band back together from the days of Daryl Morey running the Houston Rockets. He is hoping they can replicate that success and take it to another level, contending for a title in the City of Brotherly Love.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Montrezl Harrell & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Could another player familiar with Morey be added to the mix? According to one scout, free agent Montrezl Harrell would be a good fit for Philadelphia. He has a relationship not only with Morey but head coach Doc Rivers as well.
“Harrell needs to stay out of trouble first and foremost. Going where there’s a role and familiarity would be a great idea for him. Morey drafted him in Houston, and he succeeded with Doc Rivers on the Clippers.”
Harrell had an off-court issue this offseason, getting arrested on marijuana charges in Kentucky. He is facing felony drug charges and to find his way onto an NBA roster this upcoming season, Harrell will have to be cleared of any wrongdoing.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Montrezl Harrell & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Should he be eligible to play, the scout believes that he would be a great fit for the 76ers. Philadelphia did struggle to find players to soak up minutes behind Joel Embiid last season following Andre Drummond being part of the Harden trade to the Nets.
“The Sixers have a lot of firepower playing out of pick-and-roll with Harden and Maxey. Having a roller like Harrell, who can also score in the post or isolation would make it really tough for teams to handle those plug-and-play lineups throughout games. It’s tough enough to handle Embiid, now imagine having to stay out of foul trouble guarding Harrell in the two-man game with those guards? There are some rim protection challenges, but I like the fit a lot.”
Given the impact that Harrell can have offensively, the 76ers would likely trade some of the rim protection they would lose in exchange for that. Harrell brings a lot of energy to the court and produces even in limited minutes.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Montrezl Harrell & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
However, his defensive struggles have proven difficult to overcome once the postseason begins. Despite that, adding quality depth at this point in the offseason is tough to do and the 76ers likely wouldn’t pass on adding an established talent such as Harrell to the mix.
