Sixers 2024 NBA Draft grades roundup: Rating the Jared McCain and Adem Bona picks sixers,nba,draft,grades,roundup,rating,the,jared,mccain,and,adem,bona,picks,liberty,ballers,front-page,76ers-draft-rumors-news

On: By: admin


Well, after plenty of build-up and speculation over who the Sixers could draft or what trades they could make, the 2024 NBA Draft is in the books. The Sixers kept both their picks in the end, opting to select 6-foot-2 sharpshooting guard Jared McCain from Duke with their 16th overall pick, and the super athletic UCLA big man Adem Bona at 41 in the second round.

As the draft came to a close, the Sixers didn’t wait around on the undrafted market either. They quickly agreed to a two-way deal with Philly native Justin Edwards, a 6-foot-8 wing with a smooth shooting stroke who’s well worth taking a shot on. They’ve also agreed to sign Memphis wing David Jones on a two-way deal, and big man Max Fiedler to an Exhibit-10 deal, per Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress.

There’s a lot to like about the skills and upside the Sixers’ two picks are bringing to the team, so let’s see what different draft experts think of McCain and Bona, and how they grade the Sixers’ draft.

(Spoiler alert: it’s very good.)

ESPN

Grade: A-

We’ll start things off on a high note, with ESPN’s Kevin Pelton’s A- for the Sixers’ draft overall. Pelton even had McCain ranked as his eighth-best prospect, making the sharpshooter a bit of a steal at 16:

The stat-minded Sixers landing McCain, my eighth-ranked prospect, at No. 16 is no surprise. McCain’s shooting (41% on nearly six 3-point attempts per game) should fit well on a team that needs to space the floor for Joel Embiid. I do wonder how much McCain (6-2 barefoot) will be able to play alongside 6-2 Philadelphia starter Tyrese Maxey. However, getting value is more important in the long term than questions of fit.

Bona wasn’t quite as strong by my projections, but there’s a lot to like about his defensive potential after he blocked 2.7 shots and came up with 1.7 steals per 40 minutes as a sophomore. Compare those with Sixers backup Paul Reed, who averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per 40 when he was a sophomore at DePaul.

SB Nation

Grade: B+ for first round, A for second round

Here at SB Nation, Ricky O’Donnell’s first round analysis made a fair comment regarding McCain’s smaller build and limited athleticism, but had high praise for the shooting skillset he brings:

McCain lacks ideal NBA size and athleticism for a guard, but he makes up for it with shooting. He has a deep range and fantastic accuracy as a three-point shooter, which should be a good fit around Tyrese Maxey’s drives to the rim and Joel Embiid’s interior creation. I worry that McCain might be a too small to be a long-term backcourt partner for Maxey, but his shooting is so good that this is a perfectly fine selection.

As for O’Donnell’s second round grades, he was even higher on Philly picking up Bona:

Bona was one of my favorite second round bets as a long, strong, and explosive center. Bona crushed the glass and hammered dunks throughout his sophomore year at UCLA, and showed off his physical gifts by jumping 40-inches at the combine. He’s short for a center and doesn’t have much perimeter skill, but Bona is a freak athlete and that’s worth betting on.

Sporting News

Grade: A

Kyle Irving at Sporting News was a big fan of both of the Sixers’ selections:

The 76ers addressed two needs with their two picks: McCain provides backcourt depth as a playmaking combo guard who can shoot the 3 and disrupt opposing ball-handlers on defense while Bona gives Philadelphia a much-needed physical interior presence behind Joel Embiid. The Sixers went 2-for-2 in this draft.

The Ringer

Grade: B for first round, B- for second round

Danny Chau, grading the Sixers’ 16th overall pick, said Jared McCain has shades of somewhere between Steph and Seth Curry, which certainly isn’t a bad spot to fall on for a scale of undersized yet highly talented shooters.

A team with the gravity that Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey command will always need release valves on the perimeter. That’s the value that McCain brings. He was one of the best 3-point marksmen in college basketball as a freshman at Duke. He is elite on catch-and-shoot attempts and has great energy transfer in his mechanics pulling up in transition. The Sixers may look to develop his ability to shoot off movement because McCain’s apparent lack of burst will put a strain on the kind of playmaking he was able to accomplish at the NCAA level…

As for picking Bona in round two, Chau was slightly cooler on the selection, giving the Sixers a B-, partly due to need concerns. But there’s still no denying how impressive Bona’s explosiveness, speed and lateral quickness are. He’s one of the very best athletes in the draft with serious defensive talent, even if Chau questions the Sixers’ need for this kind of player:

Though a bit undersized at the 5, Bona’s remarkable 7-foot-4 wingspan and seamless ability to change direction laterally make him one of the easier projections as a switch big. Outside of the occasional P.J. Brown–esque midrange jumper, Bona’s offensive game is mostly limited to explosive rim runs, but a pathway to success in the modern NBA has been paved for a player of that archetype. Bona is a real defensive talent, but it’s fair to wonder how much Philadelphia needed this type of player specifically.

However, as Daryl Morey continues to make clear, he’s going to take the best player available, regardless of fit. And if the Sixers aren’t happy with Paul Reed at backup 5 long term or if he gets moved at some point, having Bona onboard for his athleticism, versatile defense, energy and simple yet effective finishing gives them another interesting option.

Bona is still only 21 years old and started basketball late too, which bodes well for how quickly he’s developed already and could continue to do so. For instance, with skills like the face-up ability he’s flashed thanks to his speed, quick elevation, and length to rise up and finish over/past opponents.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor is even higher on not just Bona’s ability, but his potential to fit in different lineups for the Sixers.

CBS Sports

Grade: B+ for first round, A- for second round

Apart from knocking the Sixers’ first-round grade slightly as star Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht was still on the board (and ultimately went to the Lakers next at 17), Kyle Boone and Adam Finkelstein at CBS Sports were still high on the team’s picks overall:

If Dalton Knecht weren’t on the board, I’d bump this up a grade. But I love what McCain brings as a shooter and scorer and personality. Defensively, he and Tyrese Maxey may not be ideal as two smaller guards who focus on offense. But there’s a lot to like, and adding shooting around Joel Embiid makes sense. And his competitive spirit is worth betting on.

As for their thoughts on Bona, they understandably highlighted the rookie’s energy, massive wingspan, and presence he can offer as a finisher and rim protector:

Philly has been trying for years to find viable frontcourt support next to Joel Embiid, and it might have stumbled into something here. Bona’s a high-flier with relentless energy as a big who brings a 7-4 wingspan and can be impactful around the rim on both ends.

Yahoo! Sports

Grade: A

Short and sweet analysis from Yahoo! Sports’ Krysten Peek, but yet another top grade for Philadelphia’s picks:

The 3-point shooting from McCain (42% from deep at Duke) and the physical presence of Bona (6-8, 245 pounds) will pair nicely with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

Well, B’s and A’s across the board is a rather good result!

Now, it’s a time to dig into more analysis of the Sixers’ new rookies. We’ve already got you covered here at Liberty Ballers, with articles like Sean Kennedy’s look at Jared McCain’s fit with the Sixers, with comments from McCain himself and Daryl Morey. Plus Josh Grieb’s piece on how ready McCain is for anything that comes his way in Philadelphia.

Report: Sixers to sign Max Fiedler to Exhibit 10 deal after NBA Draft report,sixers,to,sign,max,fiedler,to,exhibit,deal,after,nba,draft,liberty,ballers,front-page,76ers-free-agency-rumors-news

On: By: admin


As we’ve learned in recent years, the conclusion of the second round of the NBA draft often begins a flurry of activity among undrafted free agents. Many player agents now prefer to tell teams not to draft players, preferring to have their clients enter the open market and steer them to a place with a preferred situation or path to playing time. Following the conclusion of Thursday’s second round (during which the Sixers selected big man Adem Bona with the 41st overall pick), Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia front office reached two-way contract agreements with Justin Edwards and David Jones.

With Philadelphia’s third and final two-way slot occupied by Terquavion Smith, the organization used another method of incentivizing undrafted free agents to join the fold in bringing in Rice’s Max Fiedler.

As your obligatory reminder on Exhibit 10 deals, they are non-guaranteed but carry the option for teams to convert them to two-way contracts, with players receiving a bonus if they are waived and report to the team’s G League affiliate. Teams can utilize up to six active Exhibit 10 contracts at once.

Fiedler averaged 9.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.8 steals last year as a fifth-year senior. As Jon Chepkevich notes in his tweet reporting the signing, Fiedler is extremely adept as a distributor from the nail, interesting in that Joel Embiid often occupies a similar role within the Sixers’ offense. However, shooting range to the three-point line is not a part of Fiedler’s game, nor is a strong degree of rim protection. He is a solid rebounder, though, which has definitely been an area of weakness for the Sixers.

With Paul Reed’s status with the Sixers still undetermined, and the team using a second-round pick on Bona, Fiedler has a narrow path to working his way up with the big club. We’ll see what he can do in Summer League play, and if he can usurp one of the two-way slots (either outplaying one of the other UDFA signings or if Terq earns himself a full NBA contract). Likelier, Fiedler may end up a fixture with the Delaware Blue Coats this season.

Sixers roster, salaries, cap space, available draft picks and more sixers,roster,salaries,cap,space,available,draft,picks,and,more,liberty,ballers,front-page,76ers-roster,nba-rosters-salaries-cap-space-draft-picks

On: By: admin


The Sixers are heading into a kind of important offseason, in case you haven’t heard.

Joel Embiid is the Sixers’ only player under guaranteed contract beyond the 2023-24 season. Tyrese Maxey will join him soon enough, but Paul Reed’s $7.7 million salary for next season is now non-guaranteed since the Sixers didn’t win a playoff series. Ricky Council IV, whom the Sixers signed to a four-year, $7.4 million deal at the end of the regular season, is fully non-guaranteed for next season, while the Sixers have a team option on Jeff Dowtin Jr.

So, where does that leave the Sixers heading into the offseason? We’re partnering with SalarySwish to use their data and help answer every question you have about the Sixers’ financial situation and what it might mean in free agency.

We’ll make updates here as the offseason rolls along, so bookmark this page to keep up on the latest changes moving forward.

Sixers Roster, Salaries, Draft Picks, Cap Space and More

Here’s a table with all of the Sixers’ salary information, courtesy of our friends at SalarySwish:

That’s a lot of information to sift through, so let’s dive into a few key notes.

FAQ

Let’s start with the one on everyone’s mind.

How much salary cap space can the Sixers have this offseason?

The Sixers can generate up to nearly $65 million in cap room this summer. To do so, they’d have to waive Reed and Council, decline their option on Dowtin, trade No. 16 overall pick Jared McCain without taking any salary back and renounce every free agent they have, including Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, Nic Batum and Tobias Harris. (Sixers fans will surely be devastated about the last name there.)

Barring a surprise trade, it seems like the Sixers plan to keep McCain. There’s no reason to waive Council, either, as his salary ($1.9 million) isn’t much more expensive than an incomplete roster charge ($1.2 million). If the Sixers do keep both McCain and Council, they can still create up to $61.3 million in cap space this summer.

They could also operate as an over-the-cap team by keeping their free agents’ cap holds on their books until they re-sign in Philly or head elsewhere. That could give them access to the $12.9 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception and $4.7 million bi-annual exception, but using either one would subject them to a $178.7 million hard cap for the rest of the season.

The Sixers figure to split the difference by opening some cap space but retaining a few of their free agents along with Maxey. It’s unclear which players they’ll prioritize or how much they’ll be willing to spend on each of them, but they’ll have plenty of external options to pursue as well.

That isn’t just limited to free agency, either. In fact, cap space could be more valuable than usual this summer if some teams decide to shed quality players for financial reasons. We’ve already begun to see that with the likes of Davion Mitchell, Wendell Moore Jr. and AJ Griffin.

How much will the Sixers pay in luxury taxes this year?

As of now, nothing. The Sixers did everything in their power to keep it that way, too.

After signing Darius Bazley, Kai Jones and DJ Wilson to 10-day contracts worth roughly $116,000 each, Dowtin to a rest-of-season contract for $127,000 and Council for an extra $864,000 this year, the Sixers were projected to finish roughly $755,000 below the $165.3 million tax line at the end of the regular season.

The problem from the Sixers’ perspective was the $1.1 million in unlikely-to-be-earned incentives in Hield’s contract. If he achieved all of those—one of them was making it to the NBA Finals this year, for what it’s worth—the Sixers could have finished a little too close to the tax line for comfort. That’s why the Sixers staggered their signings to ensure that they were at no risk of going back into tax territory.

One silver lining of the Sixers’ first-round exit is that they will officially stay below the tax this year, which means they’ll reset the clock on the repeater tax. They now can’t be subject to it until 2027-28 at the earliest, which should give the new-look core that they assemble this offseason a 3-4 year window.

What draft picks can the Sixers trade?

The Sixers can currently trade first-round picks in the following drafts:

  • 2026 (their own, protected 5-30, or the OKC/LAC/HOU pick)
  • 2028 (their own, protected 9-30, or an unprotected LAC pick)
  • 2029 OR 2030 (not both)
  • 2031 (if they don’t trade 2030)

The Sixers owe a top-six-protected pick to the San Antonio Spurs in 2025 and a top-eight-protected pick to the Brooklyn Nets in 2027. The Stepien Rule, which prohibits teams from going back-to-back drafts without a first-round pick, limits what other picks they can trade.

They also have the right to swap first-round picks with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2029 (top-three protected). Considering that all three of the Clippers’ stars are in their mid-30s and two of them are set to become free agents after a disappointing first-round exit, those could wind up being valuable swap rights.

Additionally, the Sixers can currently trade the following second-round draft picks:

  • 2027 Bucks pick
  • 2028 Pistons pick (top-55 protected)
  • 2029 Sixers pick
  • 2030 Sixers pick

They can’t trade their 2027 or 2028 second-round picks for now because they’re tied up conditionally in the first-round picks that they owe to the Spurs and Nets. If their 2025 first-round pick conveys to the Spurs next summer, they will be able to trade their 2027 second-round pick afterward. The same goes for their 2028 second-round pick if their 2027 or 2028 first-rounder conveys to the Nets.

If you found this page useful, please bookmark it and/or share, and if you have any questions or information you’d like to see included, let us know in the comments below!

2024: NBA Draft: Sixers reportedly agree with Memphis’ David Jones on two-way deal nba,draft,sixers,reportedly,agree,with,memphis,david,jones,on,two,way,deal,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

On: By: admin


The Sixers made out well in the 2024 NBA Draft, selecting Duke’s Jared McCain 16th overall and UCLA big man Adem Bona 41st. They also moved quickly to sign Philly native and Kentucky product Justin Edwards to a two-way deal.

Daryl Morey and company aren’t quite done yet. The Sixers are reportedly signing Memphis wing David Jones to a two-way deal. The news was first reported by Keith Pompey of The Inquirer.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Jones moved to the United States to attend high school in West Virginia and play basketball. He spent parts of two seasons at DePaul before transferring to St. John’s, but his final season playing for the Tigers was his best collegiate season.

In 2023-24, Jones averaged 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He also averaged 2.2 steals per game. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well at the start of his college career, but hit 38.0% on over six attempts per game from three last season. His free throw percentage went up each year, meaning the improvement could be real.

After taking an undersized guard in McCain and a big in Bona, Morey scooped up two wings on the open market. It’s surely a coincidence, but Jones is a lefty like Edwards. Jones is an interesting prospect with his shot improvement plus his rebounding and steal numbers on the wing.

The Summer Sixers should have a fun roster with the players that have been added over the past couple days in addition to Ricky Council IV and Terquavion Smith.

2024 NBA Draft: In the second round, Sixers select UCLA big man Adem Bona at pick 41 nba,draft,in,the,second,round,sixers,select,ucla,big,man,adem,bona,at,pick,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

On: By: admin


In the first day two of NBA Draft history Thursday, the Sixers took UCLA big man Adem Bona with the 41st overall pick.

He averaged 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game for the Bruins last season. He was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season.

In Bona, the Sixers acquire arguably the best athlete in the draft. He had the highest standing vertical of any player at the NBA Draft Combine. He also has legitimate NBA size at 6-foot-8 (without shoes) and a freakish 7-4 wingspan. He’s a strong rim protector, but also possesses the ability to switch on the perimeter.

Bona is a native of Nigeria, but moved to Turkey at the age of 13 to pursue basketball. He moved to the U.S. to play high school basketball at Prolific Prep in California. He was a five-star recruit and committed to UCLA, where he spent two seasons.

He’s raw, but Bona is one of the most physically gifted players in the draft class. As Daryl Morey has made clear, he’s going to take the best player available, regardless of fit or age.

A side note: this is the pick the Sixers acquired in the deal that sent Jaden Springer to the Boston Celtics at the trade deadline.

On Wednesday night, the Sixers selected Duke’s Jared McCain 16th overall. While there are still plenty of moving parts ahead of the start free agency Sunday, we might have some roster clarity. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will be here. For now, so are McCain and Bona.

2024 NBA Draft: Sixers sign Philly native, UDFA Justin Edwards to two-way deal nba,draft,sixers,sign,philly,native,udfa,justin,edwards,to,two,way,deal,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

On: By: admin


Now that the 2024 NBA Draft is complete, the Sixers turn their attention to the undrafted free agent market.

The team moved quickly, agreeing to a two-way deal with Philly native and Kentucky product Justin Edwards, a source confirmed to Liberty Ballers. Shams Charania of The Athletic was the first to report the news.

Edwards was named Pennsylvania’s Mr. Basketball in 2023 after leading Imhotep to a second straight state championship. Joined by Camden’s D.J. Wagner, he was part of yet another impressive recruiting class for Kentucky. The 6-foot-8 wing was a consensus five-star recruit with multiple outlets considering him a top-three player in the country.

Though Edwards came to college with much fanfare, he had an inconsistent one-and-done year with the Wildcats. In his lone season in Lexington, the 20-year-old Edwards averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game with 48.6/36.5/77.6 shooting splits. He was overshadowed by fifth-year senior Antonio Reeves and a pair of top-10 picks in Reed Sheppard (No. 3 overall, Houston Rockets) and Rob Dillingham (No. 8 overall, Minnesota Timberwolves (via trade)).

In Edwards, the Sixers get a long wing with a smooth lefty shooting strike. He’ll have to refine the rest of his game, but he’s absolutely the type of player worthy of a two-way spot. At this time last year, Daryl Morey and the front office landed Ricky Council IV and Terquavion Smith as undrafted free agents. Council earned minutes as a rookie and Smith shined in the G League for the Delaware Blue Coats.

This should add even more intrigue to the team’s Summer League team. Expect Council and Smith to join the newly-acquired Edwards, Jared McCain and Adem Bona in Vegas and Utah.

Does Portland’s Jerami Grant make sense as a Sixers trade target? does,portland,s,jerami,grant,make,sense,as,a,sixers,trade,target,liberty,ballers,front-page,76ers-free-agency-rumors-news,76ers-trade-rumors

On: By: admin


Day one of the 2024 NBA Draft is in the books and the Philadelphia 76ers chose Duke’s Jared McCain, No. 16 overall — and no, they did not trade him….yet!

Daryl Morey, known to partake in more than a bit of gamesmanship, has already spoken about the 20-year-old, 6-foot-2 sniper as a player the team hopes is around for a long-time.

And McCain himself sounds like he’s prepared for a fanbase that can be notoriously love-hate: “Obviously [playing at Duke] comes with a lot of hate and a lot of scrutiny wherever you go,” McCain said, “but I think that’s preparing for where I’m at, especially with Philly, so I think I’m ready for it.”

So the Sixers have a couple of players on the roster. Three or four down, just need another 11 or 12 and they’ll be ready to roll.

One player whose name has come up is Portland Trailblazers forward Jerami Grant. Ten years ago, Grant was the No. 39 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Former Sixers’ President Sam Hinkie took Grant 36 spots after he landed Joel Embiid and 27 spots after selecting Dario Sarić.

On Thursday, before the start of the second day of the draft (where the Sixers are set to pick No. 41) Zach Lowe hosted “The Lowe Post” with fellow ESPN NBA Insider Jonathan Givony.

With the draft’s first round behind them, how will the Sixers fill out what’s nearly a full team’s worth of roster spots?

Lowe speculated about three names in particular in case Los Angeles Clippers’ star Paul George doesn’t end up joining them. Per Lowe:

“[Jimmy Butler may be] going back to Miami, OG Anunoby re-signed with the Knicks, other players that would have been free agents this year never got to free agency, notably Jrue Holiday. Philadelphia is running out of targets for the cap space. And the biggest story now in the NBA will get some clarity on Saturday — I wouldn’t say clarity, some version of clarity. And that’s when Paul George’s deadline is to opt in or opt out of his player option for next year…. I now have officially no feel for what’s gonna happen with Paul George…

Well, I guess his having no idea offers a little more hope they can still sign George than ESPN’s Brian Windhorst offered Wednesday. Notice Windy’s recent use of the past tense, and even tire violence:

So maybe there is still a chance there?

But if not, Lowe continues:

“….And I know Philadelphia is sitting there with this cap space and 25 percent of an NBA roster, sitting there knowing ‘we’ve gotta do something with that space to compete with Boston and now New York, and probably Milwaukee and maybe Indiana, and Cleveland…,the rest of the East. I’m sure they’ve got plans D, E and F. People have whispered Brandon Ingram, people have whispered Jerami Grant, neither of those are as exciting to me as Paul George. I don’t know what the hell is gonna happen here but we’re gonna get some clarity there on Saturday….”

Lowe goes on to mention that the Golden State Warriors will provide some clarity by Friday, when Chris Paul’s $30M salary could become guaranteed, and “obviously” they’ll look to trade the 12-time All-Star. Golden State is connected to George now as well, in the event George opts in and seeks a trade. Lowe says that CP3 decision will impact Klay Thompson’s free agency, and that while Lowe has “given up trying to read the tea leaves” on PG, another option is for the Sixers to look to sign a couple players like a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, plus a “player X, Y, and Z.”

We’ve discussed Ingram and KCP at length in the past, but we have not heard many (if any) of these Jerami Grant whispers. Grant, now 30 years old, shot over 40 percent from distance, on over five 3PA per game in 117 games with the Blazers since 2022.

He averaged 21 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists on 45-40-82 shooting splits. It’s probably pretty tricky to truly evaluate players on 21-win teams (Grant comically coming full circle from his Process days) now up in Oregon. But there has been some sentiment that his defense has slipped in recent years (hovering around 112-114 def. rating in Denver and Detroit, now just 120 Drtg in Portland).

But the Sixers would obviously have to watch the tape to see how much of a 3-and-D player there is here and wonder if he couldn’t slow down names like Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum in playoff environments. Grant signed a $160M five-year deal just over a year ago. Many fans interpreted that move as a silly, failed attempt to keep Damian Lillard, now in Milwaukee, happy in Portland.

Grant is set to earn $29.7M in 2024-2025, and his annual raises bring his player option for the 2027-2028 up to $36.4M. Grant will turn 31 just four days before Joel Embiid will, as the two Pisces were born just days apart after swimming in different career directions.

Fun fact-story…. Hinkie drafted Grant then later Bryan Colangelo traded JG to OKC for a future pick. Colangelo quickly used that pick to move up to draft some dude who never came over (for the Sixers) named Anžejs Pasečņiks It was the same year Colangelo traded Hinkie’s bequeathed No. 3 pick and prized Kings’ 2019 pick to Boston for Markelle Fultz. By 2018, when Burnergate broke and Fultz busted, acting GM Elton Brand traded Markelle for the pick that would eventually become Tyrese Maxey. So thank you to Hinkie, Jerami, Elton, and, of course, Mike Muscala.

Grant isn’t a sexy name. He’s substantially overpaid and he’s a stunningly poor rebounder for a player with his size and athleticism.

But when you begin to consider that names like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope may be eyeing their own $25M contracts, maybe this one isn’t regarded as terribly as it was one summer ago?

Another way to sell yourself on a move like this would be to ask questions like the following:

  • How much worse might JG really be than PG? Could that gap narrow over the next four years?
  • How much better if at all is Brandon Ingram? How much cheaper would JG be to obtain?
  • How much better than JG is Mikal Bridges? Mikal posts some pretty comparable statistics, and yet the Nova stud fetched the Nets an even larger haul from the Knicks than they once got for Kevin Durant. Could Grant be an “arbitrage Mikal,” who allows you to save or even add picks, still leaving another ~$30M in salary?
  • Who else could you pair with JG with this summer that you couldn’t if you splurge on names like PG, OG or BI? Could a Grant-KCP duo, while retaining the picks, be better than BI acquired via some of those draft picks?
  • Would the Blazers offer flippable assets or even another helpful player in order to get that salary off their books?

How am I doing? Am I selling too hard? Whose idea was it that cap space and the thought of playing with Embiid and Maxey under Nick Nurse was going to lure stars to Philly anyway?

All food for thought, and again, this is just whispers. But I can tell you this…. if Grant returns to Philly, the Process coming full circle bits will be lit. And we’ll be forced to once again revisit how far the Colangelo takeover set this team back.

2024 NBA Draft: 5 prospects the Sixers could target in the second round nba,draft,prospects,the,sixers,could,target,in,the,second,round,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

On: By: admin


We’ve made it to the first ever second day of the NBA Draft.

On Wednesday night, the Sixers somewhat surprisingly stood pat at 16 and took Duke’s Jared McCain. McCain is an intriguing prospect with a great story that should fit well.

On Thursday, Daryl Morey and company hold the 41st pick. While the 2024 draft doesn’t feature much in the way of star power, there are a lot of intriguing role players — even in round two.

Let’s look at five prospects that could make sense for the Sixers.

KJ Simpson

With the Sixers taking an undersized guard in the first round, would they take another in the second? Much like McCain, the only true knock on Simpson is his size. He was awesome for Colorado last season, averaging 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. Like McCain he was lethal three-point shooter (43.4%) on high volume (4.9 attempts).

What he lacks in size Simpson makes up for by being an absolute dog on the defensive end of the floor. Unlike McCain, Simpson is a floor general, capable of setting up the offense and facilitating at a high level. He has that bulldog mentality that Nick Nurse seems to covet in his point guards. After getting some late first-round buzz pre-draft, Simpson would be a steal at 41.

Bobi Klintman

Another player that some thought would go in the first round, size is not an issue for Klintman. The Swedish wing stands at nearly 6-foot-10 and has an intriguing skillset. Though his shooting numbers weren’t elite during his year at Wake Forest or his season spent in the NBL, Klintman has a smooth stroke and can easily fire over the top of defenders with a high release.

He’ll need to refine the rest of his offensive game to survive on the wing, but there are flashes. He’s also not an elite athlete, but his length can make up for a lot of that defensively. He has the makings of a hyper versatile 3-and-D player.

Harrison Ingram

Ingram spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Stanford before transferring to North Carolina. He almost feels like a throwback power forward, measuring at 6-foot-6 and 233 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan. Ingram has a multi-faceted offensive game, at times serving as a playmaking hub. He also shot the ball really well last season, hitting 38.5% on 4.6 threes per game.

While he isn’t the most athletic player, his length and strength make him viable in different defensive matchups. He’s also a strong rebounder, pulling down 8.8 boards per game last season. He’s savvy player that could fit on just about any team if the shooting translates.

Pelle Larsson

Larsson is a player we didn’t actually get the chance to profile at LB (sorry, only so much bandwidth!), but that I really enjoyed watching. His shot was sort of inconsistent during his time at Arizona, but he hit 42.6 from deep last season on over three attempts a game. The Swedish guard has a pretty diverse offensive skillset. He’s a legit 6-foot-5 and can dribble, pass, shoot and finish at the rim.

He tested well athletically at the combine and held his own defensively at the collegiate level. He slides his feet well and isn’t afraid to stick his nose in there physically. The biggest thing with Larsson is there aren’t many holes in his game. The only knock is he’s a little older at 23. Frankly, I’m a little surprised he’s not being talked about more.

Jalen Bridges

Bridges started his career at West Virginia before transferring to Baylor. During his redshirt senior year, he emerged as a terrific 3-and-D wing. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a nearly 7-foot wingspan, Bridges possesses the size and athleticism to be a terrific NBA wing defender. While his three ball wasn’t great for much of his collegiate career, he knocked down 41.2% on over five shots per game from deep. He’s always been a good free throw shooter, so the improvement seems real.

Like Larsson, one of the knocks on Bridges will be his age. There might not be a ton of upside for him as a playmaker or creator, but 3-and-D wings are hard to come by and he has all the makings of one.

2024 NBA Draft: Jared McCain’s fit with Sixers’ stars a big draw nba,draft,jared,mccain,s,fit,with,sixers,stars,a,big,draw,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

On: By: admin


Heading into this year’s NBA draft, one of the bigger questions for the Philadelphia 76ers was whether they would even keep the 16th overall pick, or trade it away for a player perhaps better suited to help the team win immediately. However, with Jared McCain still on the board, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey decided to stay put, holding the belief that the Duke guard would help infuse the franchise with youth while also being able to contribute during the 2024-25 season.

One of the biggest reasons is how McCain’s game will complement Sixers stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, helping make their lives easier. During his press availability, Morey discussed the fit between his newest draftee and those All-Stars, first addressing concerns about a Maxey-McCain backcourt being small:

“I think that’s a valid concern. Obviously your backcourt, in a perfect world, you’d have taller. But I think you have to compensate that with strength. He’s got a strong frame — very strong. Good rebounder. We think he’ll be a solid defender in the league over time. He started off at Duke … he was being targeted at Duke and as the season went on, he became someone that was actually one of their better defenders. He’s got the attitude that Coach Nurse likes to bring, which is just get a little bit better every day. He’s got a 95th percentile approach to the game — teammate, work ethic. We’ve had some good luck taking the kids with a real base of potential and a strong work ethic. We were really happy. I’m excited for Philadelphia to get to know him.”

Morey also mentioned how McCain’s shooting will benefit the team:

“We really value shooting given the rest of the roster — especially Joel. We just think Joel’s unguardable when he has shooting around him. It doesn’t mean we don’t put tough-nosed guys out there. … I mean, early on, obviously Jared’s not going to be playing with Maxey a whole lot. It’s just hard for a rookie, but that elite shooting from two guys out on the floor is pretty hard to guard, and both of them make it really tough on if you try to guard them tight. I don’t have to sell Tyrese Maxey, but Jared can attack a closeout and make a play.”

During his own press availability in Brooklyn after being selected by Philadelphia, McCain also responded to questions about playing alongside Embiid and Maxey (quotes courtesy of NBA Public Relations).

“During all your career, you have been an excellent scorer, catch-and-shoot off the screen, and now you have the opportunity to play alongside one of the best big men in the league right now. Talk about the chemistry with Joel Embiid.”

“Yeah, I’m just excited to learn from him, learn from both Maxey and him. Obviously they are elite scorers, so I think I can space the floor and create space for them. I’m excited to get to know them and learn as much as possible from them.”

“I wanted to ask you about Maxey. He’s an extremely hard worker and I know how hard you work, too. I know you two are probably going to be fighting to go to the gym together. Talk about that, playing with Maxey, being able to space the floor. And was it a surprise going to Philly? I feel like a lot of people had you going here and felt like this was a great fit. Was it a surprise to you as well, too?”

“Yeah, I’m excited. Obviously Maxey, I’ve heard great things (about) him. Watching him on the court, he’s an elite player. Being able to play alongside him and learn from him. On draft night, there’s surprises everywhere. So I didn’t know where I was going. I tried not to get attached to any teams. So yeah, I guess it is a surprise, but I’m happy to be here.”

McCain seems like an easy guy to root for, and if his 41.4 percent three-point shooting at Duke carries over to the NBA level, he’ll certainly help the Sixers this season. We’ll hopefully get a first look at him in a Sixers uniform within the next couple weeks during Summer League action.

Free Bets at Top Betting Sites

On: By: Good odds

 

Free Bets at Top Betting Sites | Find Offers Now

Want to make your sports betting more exciting without using your money? Top betting sites offer free bets that can totally change your game. These special deals let you dive into online betting without any risk. It’s a new way for bettors to start their journey risk-free.

betting sites with free bets

FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and bet365 lead the pack. They give awesome welcome bonuses to new players. You’ll find deals like “bet and get” and first bet insurance. These sites are vying for your attention, offering a chance to play, win real money, and choose where to bet.

What makes these offers stand out? And how can you get the most from the best free bets? Let’s explore the world of free bets together and reveal the keys to making your online betting better.

Key Takeaways

  • Top sportsbooks offer generous free bet promotions for new customers
  • Free bets allow risk-free wagering and platform testing
  • Popular offers include “bet and get” promotions and first bet insurance
  • Leading platforms like FanDuel and Caesars Sportsbook provide attractive bonuses
  • Free bets offer the potential to win real money without initial risk

Understanding Free Bets and Welcome Bonuses

Free bets and welcome bonuses are important at top betting sites. They encourage new users to join and bet. It’s essential to know about the different free bet types and how welcome bonuses operate.

Types of Free Bets

Top betting sites provide various promotions:

  • Deposit matches: The sportsbook matches your initial deposit up to a certain amount
  • Bet and get offers: Place a qualifying bet and receive free bets in return
  • Bet insurance: Get your stake back as a free bet if your wager loses

How Welcome Bonuses Work

Welcome bonuses are offers for new customers by bookies. They often include:

  • Risk-free bets: Your first bet is protected, and you get a refund if it loses
  • Deposit matches: The sportsbook matches your first deposit with bonus funds
  • No deposit bonuses: Receive free bets just for creating an account

Importance of Terms and Conditions

It’s crucial to read and understand all the terms and conditions. This includes knowing about wagering requirements, expiration dates, and what markets are eligible.

  • Wagering requirements: How many times you need to bet the bonus amount
  • Expiration dates: When the free bets or bonus funds expire
  • Eligible markets: Which sports or events you can bet on with the bonus

Understanding these points helps you use free bets and welcome bonuses wisely. This is true for the best betting sites with free bets.

Top Sportsbooks Offering Free Bets

Looking for great betting sites? You’re lucky! Many top sportsbooks offer cool deals to get you started. Let’s look at some top choices that give you free bets when you sign up.

FanDuel’s “Bet $5, Get $150” offer stands out. If your first bet wins, you get a major boost. This chance is both low-risk and high-reward, perfect for new bettors.

Caesars Sportsbook has a special “$1,000 First Bet on Caesars” deal. It’s a safety net for new users. It lets you make a big first bet with a backup plan if you lose.

bet365 offers you two ways to start:

  • $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
  • “Bet $5, Get $150” offer

This lets you choose how you want to begin. It makes bet365 a good pick for many different players.

Platforms like BetMGM, DraftKings, and Hard Rock Bet are worth checking out too. They all have special deals and are easy to use. They also have good odds and cover a wide range of sports.

While free bets are nice, remember to think about other things too. The betting options, variety, and customer service are also key to finding the best sportsbook for you.

Betting Sites with Free Bets: Comparing Offers

The best betting sites with free bets try to get new players with cool deals. We’ll look at some top offers from main sportsbooks. This will help you snag the best deals.

FanDuel’s Bet $5, Get $150 Offer

For those starting small, FanDuel’s deal is great. Just put $5 down and you could turn it into $150 in bonus bets if you win. It’s a big win for a small risk.

Caesars Sportsbook’s $1,000 First Bet Bonus

Caesars is offering a big “First Bet on Caesars” promo. If your first bet doesn’t hit, you get up to $1,000 back as a bonus. Now you can take bigger shots without losing everything.

BetMGM’s $1,500 First Bet Offer

BetMGM raises the bar with their First Bet offer. If your first bet doesn’t come through, you could score up to $1,500 in bonus bets. This is great for those aiming for huge wins right off the bat.

Sportsbook Offer Min. Deposit Max Bonus
FanDuel Bet $5, Get $150 $5 $150
Caesars $1,000 First Bet Bonus $10 $1,000
BetMGM $1,500 First Bet Offer $10 $1,500

When picking from betting sites’ free bets, look at things like minimum odds and when they expire. Also check their wagering rules. Choose the offer that fits how you bet and your comfort with risk. This can help you win more.

Maximizing Value from Free Bet Promotions

Getting free bets when you sign up is a great deal. But, the key is using these offers wisely. Make sure you clearly understand all the rules to get the most from your bet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeU2lGU0-2Q

Always look at the lowest odds you can bet on. This is because sportsbooks might not let you use your free bet on a sure win. Remember, bigger odds mean you could win more, but there’s also more risk.

Don’t forget about the expiry dates on these free bets. Keep track and use them before they expire. Try to use your free bets on games or events that interest you. This way, you make the most of them.

It’s smart to compare different bookmakers’ offers. For instance, while one might give you your money back if you lose, another might enhance your winnings. Each has its own advantages.

Sportsbook Offer Type Key Advantage
FanDuel Bet $5, Get $150 Low entry, high reward
Caesars $1,000 First Bet Bonus Insurance on losing bets
BetMGM $1,500 First Bet Offer High maximum bonus

Also, pay attention to the playthrough rules. Some bonuses require you to bet the money several times. Pick the promotions that match how you like to bet. This will ensure you enjoy the experience more.

Legal Considerations for Online Sports Betting

The online sports betting world is complicated. Laws change between states. It’s important to know these laws before using sites that offer free bets. This way, you can enjoy betting safely and within the rules.

State-by-State Regulations

States have different rules on online sports betting. Some allow it completely, while others say no. Always check your local laws before you start. Betting sites that give free bets work hard to follow all the different rules.

State Online Sports Betting Status Notable Restrictions
New Jersey Legal No betting on in-state college teams
New York Legal Limited mobile sportsbooks
California Illegal All forms of online betting prohibited

Age and Location Requirements

If you want to bet, most states require you to be 21 or over. You also have to be in a state where betting is allowed. Sites track your location to make sure you’re following the law.

Responsible Gambling Measures

The top betting sites care about responsible gambling. They let users set limits and offer help to those who need it. Even when betting is free, it’s vital to do it wisely and not overdo it.

How to Claim and Use Free Bets

Getting and using free bets when you sign up is easy. Top bookies give welcome offers to get new customers. Follow this guide to get the best out of these deals.

Claiming free bets on sign up

  1. Create an account with your chosen sportsbook
  2. Verify your identity and age
  3. Make a qualifying deposit or wager
  4. Enter any required promo codes during registration
  5. Wait for your free bets to be credited (usually within 24-72 hours)

When you’re using your free bets, the money you bet doesn’t come back with your winnings. Look at your bet slip to make sure you’re using your free bet balance, not your money balance.

Sportsbook Free Bet Offer Minimum Deposit Wagering Requirements
BetMGM $1,000 First Bet Offer $10 1x
FanDuel Bet $5, Get $150 $5 1x
Caesars $1,250 First Bet $10 1x

Knowing how to get and use free bets well lets you get the most from bookies’ welcome offers. It can make your betting more fun and rewarding.

Strategies for Successful Free Bet Wagering

Learning to use free bet offers can help you win more on top betting sites. We will cover the best ways to take advantage of these deals.

Choosing the Right Markets

Focus on markets you understand when using free bets. Whether it’s your favorite team or a simple bet, knowing the market is essential. Look at team and player stats plus recent game results before choosing.

Understanding Odds and Probabilities

Knowing how to read odds is important in betting smart. Odds show the chance of an outcome and your possible win. If odds are +200, a $100 bet can earn $200. Keep in mind, lower odds mean a bigger chance of winning but smaller payouts.

Bankroll Management Tips

Handling your money wisely is crucial, even with free bets. Always set a budget and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses or betting more than you can afford. Decide if you prefer to take big risks or go steady to grow your bankroll.

Strategy Pros Cons
High-risk bets Potential for big wins Higher chance of losing free bet
Low-risk bets More likely to retain winnings Smaller payouts
Mixed approach Balanced risk and reward Requires more strategic planning

The key to using betting free bets well is smart strategy. By following these tips, you can have more fun and win more with online sports betting.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid with Free Bets

When looking at betting sites with free bets, watch out for common mistakes. Many users miss the details, causing problems later. Always read the fine print before you use any free bet offers. Wagering requirements and when the offer ends are very important.

Be careful with the odds needed to place a bet too. Some promotions only let you pick from a few options. If you don’t follow the rules, you might not get your winnings. Make sure you understand everything before you start.

Don’t rush to spend your free bets before they expire. This can make you choose poorly and miss better opportunities. It’s always a good idea to research well and think carefully. Free bets are a great value when used smartly.

Also, remember to gamble responsibly, even with free bets. Always set limits and make sure to follow them. By being careful and smart, you can enjoy and win with free bets safely.

FAQ

What are the different types of free bets?

Common free bet types are deposit matches, bet and get offers, and bet insurance. For instance, FanDuel has the “Bet $5, Get $150” deal. Caesars Sportsbook offers a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars promotion.

How do welcome bonuses work?

Welcome bonuses encourage new users to join and deposit. They include risk-free bets, matching deposits, or bonuses without a deposit. It’s key to know the rules, like when you can use the bonus and how many times.

What are some of the top sportsbooks offering free bets?

FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, and Hard Rock Bet are top choices. They’re known for easy use, great odds, and many betting options.

How does FanDuel’s “Bet $5, Get $150” offer work?

To get FanDuel’s offer, place a $5 bet after depositing. Winning the $5 bet gets you $150 in bonus bets. Remember to check the deal’s rules, like when the offer ends.

What is Caesars Sportsbook’s $1,000 First Bet on Caesars promotion?

Caesars offers up to a $1,000 bonus on your first bet. If the bet doesn’t win, you’ll get it back as a bonus credit. This makes your first bet safer.

How can I maximize the value of free bet promotions?

Maximizing free bets means knowing the deal’s terms, like the odds you need. Picking bets with better odds can mean more money if you win. Also, think about the rules for using bonus money.

What legal considerations should I keep in mind for online sports betting?

Online betting laws differ by state. You must be in a legal betting state and old enough, usually 21. There are also rules to help you gamble responsibly.

How do I claim and use free bets?

To get free bets, sign up, prove who you are, and make a needed deposit or bet. Remember to use any codes for the deal. Free bets usually come within a few days. And, you don’t get back the bet amount if you win.

What strategies can I use for successful free bet wagering?

Wagering with free bets well includes knowing what you’re betting on and managing your money wisely. Stick to bets you know and do your homework. You can go for big or safe bets, but remember your limits.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid with free bets?

Watch out for not checking the fine print, which can lead to your bet going to waste. Be wary of the odds and what games you can bet on. Don’t rush to bet if you’re not ready, even if the bet is free.