Kofi Inkoom
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix has proposed that following the conclusion of the James Harden trade, the Philadelphia 76ers may turn their attention towards either Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls or OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors.
The James Harden trade saga wrapped up on a Tuesday morning, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, with the All-Star point guard making his way to the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team deal involving the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia Sixers.
While the 76ers didn’t secure a player of Harden’s caliber, they may have laid the groundwork for a potential future acquisition.
Notably, the Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first-round pick, a 2029 pick swap with the Clippers, and a future first-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder could prove invaluable for this purpose.
LaVine or Anunoby ?
.@SIChrisMannix reacts to James Harden going to the Clippers pic.twitter.com/h0vRPFrFhe
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) October 31, 2023
Zach LaVine, known for his dynamic scoring, has consistently displayed efficient shooting in his over six seasons with the Bulls, maintaining an average of 24.5 points and a 38.4 percent shooting accuracy from beyond the arc in Chicago.
Should he become a part of the Sixers, the 28-year-old would likely assume a role that better aligns with his value, possibly as the second option behind Embiid.
However, it’s essential to consider whether LaVine’s skill set might overlap excessively with Tyrese Maxey.
His contract, coupled with a history of knee surgeries, also adds complexity to the decision, as it entails a substantial commitment of $138 million over the next three seasons.
Read Also : James Harden Has Been Traded To LA Clippers in a 3-Team Deal involving 76ers and Thunder
Mannix has noted that OG Anunoby could be the much-needed perimeter defender for the 76ers, particularly in the postseason.
Standing at 6’7″, this wing player led the NBA in steals the previous year and has already amassed six steals in the first three games of the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors.
On the offensive front, Anunoby’s comfort in playing off the ball complements the styles of Embiid and Maxey.
Additionally, his previous collaboration with head coach Nick Nurse during their time with the Raptors offers a layer of familiarity.
Irrespective of the specific plans that Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations, might have in mind, it seems improbable that the 76ers will hastily make a decision.
They are likely to wait and evaluate their current roster’s performance to make informed decisions regarding the necessary upgrades, which could involve a close look at how they perform in the 2024 playoffs.
As a 76ers fan, who would you prefer to see in Philadelphia, LaVine or OG Anunoby?