Don’t sell the value of an NBA role player short. Sure, star players carry the heaviest load. Still, they need the right role players around them. Guys who play hard and put their bodies on the line for their team will always have a place in the league.
Just look at P.J. Tucker of the Philadelphia 76ers. Tucker has never been the most naturally gifted player in the league. He works as hard as he can. Tucker gives a team an edge with his physicality. Meanwhile, his new Sixers teammate, Patrick Beverley, can be described similarly.
With that said, players like Tucker and Beverley have less on a roster without stars. Unfortunately, the Sixers are expected to lose a star soon. James Harden has requested a trade. Now, the organization’s future is in flux. Could they send Tucker and Beverley to the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Gabe Vincent, G/F Cam Reddish
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F PJ Tucker, G Patrick Beverley
Role players deserve credit. They’re not necessarily living their dream – they’re living a version of it. There’s not a child in the United States on a playground pretending to be P.J. Tucker. If there is, what can we say: that’s one interesting child.
Sometimes, a player seems destined for stardom. They don’t achieve it. If they can become role players, they deserve plenty of credit. At this point, it seems like that’s a transition that Cam Reddish is going to have to make. As the years of his career pass, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that he won’t be a star.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Tucker, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Does that mean he can’t be a valuable NBA player? Not at all. Reddish needs to follow the Andrew Wiggins path. When it became clear to Wiggins that he wouldn’t be one of the best players in the NBA, he developed into an elite 3-and-D wing. Could the Sixers be the team to help Reddish make that transition?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Time will tell. One thing is certain: the Sixers get younger by doing this deal. They’re flipping two players nearing retirement for a player in his prime and a player that’s, hopefully, approaching his. That alone should incentivize them to make this trade. After all, we don’t know what the future holds for the Sixers.
In all likelihood, the future holds a trade request from James Harden. Will a request from Joel Embiid follow? That’s the million-dollar question for the Sixers. Luckily, this deal has them preparing for either possibility. If Embiid requests a trade, Reddish is the type of player they’ll want as they rebuild.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Tucker, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Otherwise, Vincent could be the most impactful player in this deal. It’s a narrow call: Vincent, Tucker, and Beverley are all good role players. With that said, if the Sixers try to retool around Embiid, Vincent will be a nice addition to their roster. Should the Lakers part with him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers only acquired Vincent and Reddish this summer. So, they can’t trade them yet. Each player is subject to trade restrictions until closer to the deadline. That’s perfect – if the Lakers are among the best teams in the NBA, they won’t be interested in making this deal.
Let’s say their performance leaves something to be desired. In all likelihood, Reddish is the least impactful player in this deal. If that holds true, the Lakers are improving their depth here. They’re flipping one rotation player for two. That should make them a better team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Tucker, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Is Tucker what he used to be? No. Still, he remains an elite defensive communicator who can guard across positions in bursts. Meanwhile, Beverley is among the best point-of-attack defenders in the NBA. This trade should improve the Lakers – even if they only land a pair of role players.
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