76ers are vindicated for signing a newcomer after a game-changing discovery

When the Philadelphia 76ers signed Trendon Watford in free agency, they expected to get a stopgap backup who can thrive in some niche areas. After all, they could only get it cheaply, and it wasn’t exactly a widely sought after commodity. Simply put, the team projected him to play a minor role this season.

Frankly, it remains that way. Watford started the season injured and then returned with quite a big role as their preferred power forward. Unfortunately, he was sidelined for over a month due to another injury, which led to a drastic dip within minutes, but the team might have discovered a new way to unleash him in their last outing.

Nick Nurse made the decision to trot out Watford as their nominal backup point guard during their match against the Suns, which ended in a huge road win. His numbers were far from standout, but he did manage to organize the 76ers in the half court, handle the rock and play the initiator role they desperately needed. especially after trading Jared McCain.

The 76ers have unleashed Trendon Watford in a new way

Positional play has always been one of Watford’s biggest strengths, and it is absolutely intuitive to put him in a position where he can fully showcase his skills. and with the frontcourt rotation currently a bit too heavy to crack, deploying him as a de facto point guard is a sensible way to get him minutes and give the team a lift in a lacking department.

In just 16 minutes per match, Watford scores 2.6 assists. It’s clear he can pass the rock and make timely reads with the ball in his hands. Heck, he’s averaging the team’s second-most dimes per 36 minutes, just behind Tyrese Maxey.

With Paul George still out, the 76ers have one less source of playmaking. And after getting rid of McCain, that’s another player whose secondary creation leaves a void there. That makes it all the more important for the coaching staff to turn to Watford, and he is currently delivering enough goods to remain in that role.

Hopefully Watford can at least remain useful as a player off the bench. After all, he already provides the team with solid and varied contributions on the floor. As such, his impact in an understrength area will make a world of difference as the 76ers battle for better playoff positioning.