The Philadelphia 76ers have had a memorable slate so far in the preseason. Although both of their outings resulted in losses to the Knicks, the team will still return to their home country in good spirits after participating in the annual preseason games abroad, which were held in Abu Dhabi this year.
Still, the 76ers still have business to do. They still have a few more preseason games on their schedule before the regular season finally starts, giving them plenty of opportunity to experiment some more with lineups and rotations and ramp up the activities of players who have yet to smell the hardwood.
But beyond that, the front office remains incentivized to pay close attention to what’s happening in the preseason, even if they aren’t involved at all. There are still players looking for their next NBA home, and as luck would have it, the 76ers could find someone they never expected to be available.
An example? Look no further than former All-Star guard Victor Oladipo, who stood out in his most recent performance against the San Antonio Spurs.
The 76ers should consider pursuing Victor Oladipo
Spurs hosted the Chinese Basketball Association’s Guangzhou Loong Lions for their biggest match of the preseason, and as expected, Victor Wembanyama stole the show, nearly recording a triple double in just 16 minutes of play. In his first match since his sophomore year was cut short due to blood clots, the young phenom reaffirmed his name.
However, he wasn’t the only Victor who stood out. Oladipo, who most people didn’t even know was on the Lions, finished the game with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and five blocks, which looked very healthy this time.
Fans quickly lobbied their respective teams to consider drafting the former All-Star, and perhaps the 76ers should do just that. While Oladipo doesn’t feel an immediate need position-wise, he brings a lot more to the table than, say, Eric Gordon or Kyle Lowry.
Oladipo, best known for his All-Star days at Indiana, has missed the past few seasons due to nagging knee problems. Since then, he has remained in training mode and refused to retire, although he did join ESPN as an analyst last year.
But with Oladipo set to play in China, the 76ers may have to play with the idea of bringing him in, if only to help the team for the time being due to Jared McCain’s absence. He would also bring extensive experience as a high-level guard in the NBA, which would benefit McCain and VJ Edgecombe.
Daryl Morey loves name-hunting anyway, and since Oladipo isn’t expected to be anything close to an expensive signing, it wouldn’t hurt for the 76ers to at least consider it.
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