7 Role Players the 76ers Should Target in 2022

For the fourth time in the past five seasons, the Philadelphia 76ers have been eliminated in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

While the team has made attempts to surround superstar Joel Embiid with other star-caliber players such as James Harden, Jimmy Butler, and Ben Simmons, nothing has seemed to pan out. Drama surrounding these players has been in the media's headlines, but the 2021-2022 season made it clear that the issues with the roster run much deeper. The true reason Philadelphia has been unable to get over the hump of the second round is because they lack depth.

The Golden State Warriors won multiple championships off of having a starting lineup flooded with superstars; however, they have been able to succeed the the post-Durant era because they have adapted to the current landscape of the NBA, which is one where teams win games by surrounding their star players with quality role players.

The 76ers may be in a sticky cap situation this offseason, but if Daryl Morey and the Sixers' front office can find a way to maneuver around the money situation, they may be able to return next season with a real shot to win with Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey. 

Here are seven potential role players that could immediately help the 76ers next season.

Taurean Prince

The 28-year old Prince, a free agent, may be a viable option on cheap deal. The Sixers are going to need a wing defender that can replace Danny Green, and Prince is a younger, more physical option. He may not be the three-point shooter that Green is, but he shot just above the league 3P% at 37.6% last year. He can also take some of the rebounding load off of Joel Embiid in the regular season.

P.J. Tucker

Tucker fit in well with Miami this past season, but he is a free agent that has bounced around the league. He is a gritty player that can still knock down big shots and get in the ears of both the other team and his teammates.

Miles Bridges

The Sixers clearly made a mistake trading Mikal Bridges on draft night in 2018. While Mikal has grown into a young star and is likely untouchable in a trade, the other Bridges, Miles, may be acquirable from a Charlotte team that does not seem to know what direction it is heading in. He is a young forward that scores the ball well and can rebound tremendously. He would be a perfect, more exciting option to replace Tobias Harris if the team opts to unload his contract. 

Thomas Bryant

After moving on from Andre Drummond, backup center became a glaring hole for Philadelphia. While Paul Reed and Charles Bassey are both interesting options that could develop into strong two-way players, Thomas Bryant is a player with starting experience that could benefit from a year off the bench following an injury. In return, Philly would be getting starting-level production if he can return to his old form.

Rajon Rondo

He is definitely not the ball-handler that he once was, but adding Rondo to the roster could help mold the 76ers' bench. If the team opts to keep Shake Milton, bringing him off of the bench with Rondo would allow him to play off the ball more in his natural two-guard role. Rondo can also step in for Tyrese Maxey and find ways to get James Harden some open looks.

Desmond Bane

Bane is one of the better scorers in the league at his age. If Memphis was not preparing to pay the other young stars on their team like Ja Morant or Kyle Anderson, then Bane would be untouchable. He is likely going to want a larger contract, but it would be well worth it for a guard that can score from anywhere on the court. He can start alongside Harden and Maxey in the starting lineup, but can also play extended minutes with the bench thanks to his youth and athleticism. 

Nerlens Noel

The former 76er seems to have had a career resurgence with the Knicks, but New York is coming off a disappointing season. They are likely going to unload some players in an attempt to surround Julius Randle with a co-star, which means Noel may be available. A reunion in Philadelphia as the backup to Joel Embiid would be something that should excite fans, as Noel is a much improved player than what he was in his first stint with Philly.