The Philadelphia 76ers have been riding a wave this season that’s felt more like a high-speed loop on a roller coaster than a smooth climb to the top of the East. From an electric start to the season to the emergence of “VJ Maxx” - the nickname Tyrese Maxey coined for the dynamic duo of himself and new addition VJ - and Joel Embiid’s return to MVP form, the Sixers have put themselves in a strong position as the trade deadline approaches. But with just over half the season in the books, it’s clear this team still has a few cracks in the foundation that need patching if they’re going to make a serious run.
Two areas stand out: backup center and three-point shooting. And while Daryl Morey has never been shy about making bold moves, the options on the market will test his patience, creativity, and willingness to pay the price.
Stretch-Five Targets: Filling the Embiid Gap
Let’s start with the big men. When Embiid sits, the Sixers often struggle to maintain their identity - especially defensively and on the glass.
The ideal addition would be a stretch-five who can space the floor and protect the rim. Enter Jay Huff.
At 7’1”, he’s shooting threes at a 64.3% attempt rate and boasts a 9.1% block percentage. That kind of combination is rare - and valuable.
But Huff’s situation with the Indiana Pacers might make him tough to pry loose, especially if the price tag climbs into uncomfortable territory.
So what’s the next best thing? Jock Landale.
He’s not quite as tall as Huff and doesn’t shoot it from deep as often, but he’s been more efficient this season and rebounds at a higher rate. The Australian big man isn’t a perfect fit, but he’s a legitimate rotation piece who could give Philly quality minutes behind Embiid - something they’ve lacked consistently this year.
Think of it like this: if the Sixers have a Jay Huff-sized hole in their rotation, Landale might not be a seamless fit, but he’s close enough to make it work. The key is avoiding a domino effect of downgrades - plugging that hole with someone like Adem Bona, for example, could leave the team with more questions than answers. Morey’s been around the block enough to know that not every backup big is created equal, and the margin for error here is slim.
Day’Ron Sharpe: A Rebounding Force Worth Calling About
Another name that should be on Philly’s radar? Day’Ron Sharpe.
The Nets big man has quietly been one of the most effective rebounders in the league this season. His total rebound percentage of 19.9% ties him with none other than Nikola Jokic - and places him ahead of Rudy Gobert.
That’s not just good company; that’s elite territory.
Brooklyn’s direction as a franchise is murky at best, and that uncertainty could open a door for Morey. Sharpe is still young, still improving, and still under team control.
If the Nets are willing to listen - and that’s a big if - the Sixers should absolutely be making that call. He’s the kind of physical, high-motor big who could thrive in a bench role, especially in lineups where rebounding and interior presence are at a premium.
Moussa Diabate: Underrated and Under the Radar
Then there’s the wild card: Moussa Diabate. The 6’10” center has flown under the radar this season, but the numbers don’t lie.
In a recent win over the Thunder - a 27-point blowout, no less - Diabate finished with 12 rebounds (six offensive) and a +21 in the box score. That’s not a fluke.
His offensive rebound percentage sits at 17.2%, tied for the best mark in the league among qualified players.
For a team like Philly, where Embiid’s offensive rebounding has never been the focal point (his career high is 10.3%), Diabate could offer a different look in non-Embiid minutes. He’s relentless on the glass, and that kind of energy can swing a second unit’s momentum in a playoff series.
The Hornets, stuck in a rebuild and far from contention, might be willing to move Diabate for the right combination of draft picks and salary relief. A deal involving Tre Mann’s contract and one of Philly’s expiring deals could be enough to get it done.
The Bottom Line
The Sixers are in a good spot - better than many expected after a turbulent offseason. But if they’re serious about contending, they’ll need to shore up the depth behind Embiid and add some firepower from beyond the arc.
Morey has options, but each comes with trade-offs. Jay Huff might be the dream fit, but Landale, Sharpe, and Diabate all bring valuable tools to the table.
In a tight Eastern Conference race, the margin between a second-round exit and a trip to the Finals might come down to who’s on the floor when Embiid isn’t. Morey’s next move could be the one that defines the Sixers’ season.