The Philadelphia 76ers have been walking a tightrope when it comes to playmaking depth ever since the James Harden era came to a close. Tyrese Maxey has stepped up admirably as a lead guard, evolving into more than just a scorer - he's become a legitimate offensive engine.
But behind him, the Sixers are still searching for a steady hand to guide their second unit, especially in the halfcourt. That missing piece?
It might just be Lonzo Ball.
Now, let’s be clear: Lonzo’s shooting numbers this season aren’t pretty. He’s hitting just 29.9% from the field and 26.9% from deep - numbers that would make any coach hesitate.
But that’s only part of the story. What Ball brings to the table goes beyond shot-making.
He’s a true floor general, the kind of player who can organize an offense, control tempo, and make life easier for his teammates - exactly what this Sixers bench has lacked.
Right now, Philly’s second unit features Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes, two talented young guards who can score but aren’t natural facilitators. They thrive off the ball, attacking closeouts and creating for themselves more than others.
Pairing them with a pass-first guard who can set the table and keep the offense humming? That’s where Lonzo fits in.
Even after multiple injuries, Ball’s feel for the game hasn’t faded. He still sees the floor like a seasoned vet, and his 6'6" frame gives him the defensive versatility to guard multiple positions - a big plus in a league where switchability is king. He’s not the same explosive athlete he once was, but his IQ and instincts remain high-level.
The opportunity to land Ball might be more realistic than it seems. After the Cavaliers acquired Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in the De’Andre Hunter deal, their backcourt is suddenly crowded.
Ball, through no fault of his own, has become the odd man out in Cleveland. And with the trade deadline approaching, he’s a prime candidate to be moved.
From the Sixers’ perspective, this could be a low-cost, high-upside move. Cleveland likely won’t demand a hefty return - a second-round pick might be enough to get it done. That’s a small price to pay for a player who, even in a reduced role, can stabilize a bench unit that’s struggled with consistency.
Ball doesn’t need to be a star in Philly. He just needs to be a connector - someone who can get the ball where it needs to go, keep the offense organized, and hold his own defensively.
In a playoff series, those minutes matter. And right now, the Sixers don’t have a guy they can trust in that role.
Is Lonzo a perfect solution? No.
But for a team that’s already leaning on Maxey and Joel Embiid to carry the load, adding a pass-first guard who won’t cost much and can elevate the play of those around him is a smart, calculated swing. If the Sixers want to shore up their rotation and make a deeper postseason run, Ball might be the kind of low-risk, high-reward move that tips the scales.