The 2024 NBA Offseason is the biggest one in franchise history for the Philadelphia 76ers. Daryl Morey, the Sixers President of Basketball Operations, sold the franchise players and fanbase on maintaining cap flexibility. As a result of that cap flexibility, they will be able to fill out a roster that would contend for a championship. The offseason just started, but Paul George agreed to a four-year 212-million-dollar deal. Additionally, Morey secured the future drafting Jared McCain, Adem Bona, and signing Justin Edwards. These acquisitions have made for a really good offseason so far for Philly.
How Daryl Morey Gave the 76ers a Great Offseason
Secured The Third Star
Morey put a lot of pressure on himself to be able to secure a third superstar whose talent would mesh well with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and extend the championship window for the 76ers. He was able to secure that third star early Monday morning when Paul George decided to come to Philly. This might be the biggest acquisition in the Morey era. He had 65-million dollars to spend and got his man early in free agency.
Despite all the drama after James Harden left and spent last summer calling Morey a liar, he was still able to get one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the association. Also, when the Sixers brain trust had their meeting with George on Monday, they pitched him on being the missing piece, which would lead to a title for the Sixers. If he can build that chemistry with Embiid and Maxey and be half the player he was last season. Philly will be able to win a championship in the next two-four years.
Howie Roseman-Like Draft Acquisitions
As a result of being in win now mode, not many people expected the Sixers to keep the 16th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The board fell too perfectly for Philly to trade the pick despite having a lot of intriguing offers for it. That selection was Jared McCain—the best shooter in this draft.
Morey turned into Howie Roseman with this pick, which felt like a no brainer for Philly. The Sixers need more players who can rebound, play defense, and put the ball in the hoop. McCain can certainly do that, as he scored 30-plus points two times during the tournament. In addition, he made 41.4% of his three-pointers from the field. He should also have a lot of opportunities to increase his three-point percentage as a result of the high-percentage shooting opportunities Embiid, Maxey, and George create for their teammates.
McCain was already a big get for the 76ers. Then, in the second-round, Morey picked Adem Bona—the Pac-12 Defensive Player Of The Year and the best athlete in this draft. He should be able to play next to Joel Embiid and grab rebounds. In addition, his defensive prowess can only grow playing next to Embiid and George. Bona should have the opportunity to prove himself right away and have chances to grow by playing meaningful basketball. He should be competing with Paul Reed for four minutes at the power-forward position.
McCain and Bona slot in perfectly as talented players who can develop into either franchise players or significant role players. If both of these players do well for the 76ers. Morey and the rest of the scouting department have secured the franchise’s future for years to come.
As a result of these acquisitions, Daryl Morey has fulfilled his promise from last year. By being able to bring in three players who can contribute right away. He still has five spots to fill on this team for next season. So, it can get even better for Sixers fans based on who he acquires in the next few months.