The Philadelphia 76ers made waves ahead of the trade deadline-but not for the reasons fans were hoping. The decision to move on from rookie Jared McCain raised eyebrows across the league, and while there may have been some logic behind the move, the lack of a follow-up deal has left many scratching their heads.
Let’s start with McCain. Sure, he’s a combo guard with a scoring-first mindset, but he also showed flashes of being able to initiate offense in spurts-something the Sixers could really use right now.
The front office’s choice to part ways with him, reportedly to trim salary, might have been easier to swallow if they had turned around and filled that rotation spot with a proven contributor. But that second move never came.
What makes it sting even more? New York just pulled off a savvy deadline deal to bring in Jose Alvarado-exactly the type of player who could’ve helped Philly right now.
The Knicks were in the market for a steady backup behind Jalen Brunson. With Jordan Clarkson struggling to find rhythm and rookie Tyler Kolek still getting his NBA legs under him, the team needed someone dependable to stabilize the second unit.
Enter Alvarado, who brings a mix of defensive grit and offensive composure. And the kicker?
New York barely gave up anything to get him.
That’s where this becomes a missed opportunity for the Sixers.
With McCain gone, Philadelphia's already thin point guard depth has taken another hit. Alvarado isn’t a star, and his reputation may slightly outpace his production, but make no mistake-he’s a rock-solid backup guard. He’s known for his defensive intensity, especially his knack for sneaky steals that energize a team, but there’s more to his game than just pestering ball-handlers.
At 27, Alvarado has grown into a confident, low-turnover guard who can run an offense in short bursts. He’s a capable shooter who moves well without the ball, making him a seamless fit alongside a high-usage guard like Brunson. That off-ball versatility would’ve also played well in Philly, especially in lineups where Tyrese Maxey is the focal point.
Instead, the Sixers are now leaning on Quentin Grimes to bring some playmaking to the second unit. Grimes is a talented wing, but initiating offense isn’t his bread and butter. Asking him to fill that void feels like a square-peg, round-hole situation.
It’s not that Alvarado would’ve single-handedly changed the Sixers’ trajectory. But in a playoff race where margins are razor-thin and bench production often swings a series, adding a steady hand at point guard could’ve made a real difference. And if the Sixers and Knicks do end up meeting in the postseason-as seems increasingly likely-this could be one of those small moves that looms large.
For now, Philadelphia is left hoping their current rotation can hold up. But make no mistake: passing on Alvarado might be a decision that comes back to haunt them.