Sports

Philadelphia 76ers 2021-22 NBA Roster: Is Andre Drummond the Missing Piece for Sixers’ Championship Ambitions?

The Sixers are the joint-fourth in the all-time NBA championships list, but they have been struggling to win the championship for quite some time now. The last time Philadelphia lifted the NBA title was back in 1983, during the Julius Erving era. They hired Doc Rivers ahead of last season to challenge for the championship, but they crashed out of the championship in the conference semis. However, this was their first division title in 20 years.

After clinching the first seed in the Eastern Conference last season and crashing out in the semis, the management wanted to bolster their roster ahead of the 2021-22 season. The Sixers appointed former Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey as their head of basketball operations last year. Since his arrival, the team has made several signings and trades.

Incoming players

Anthony Tolliver

The 36-year-old had played for more than a dozen teams in his career. After spending a season with Memphis, Tolliver signed a 10-day contract with the Sixers in April 2021. He again signed a 10-day contract and 10 days later, he signed for the rest of the season. Tolliver brings with him experience which will be fruitful for the youngsters in the Sixers roster.

Gary Clark

Clark signed a two-way contract with Philadelphia after being waived by the Nuggets earlier this year. He started all games for Orlando in their playoffs in 2020. He brings depth to the Sixers roster, which could come in handy in the future.

Jaden Springer (Draft)

The Sixers selected Springer with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. He signed for the franchise on a rookie contract.

Andre Drummond

Jan 25, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond (3) drives between Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and center Montrezl Harrell (15) in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Sixers signed Drummond on a one-year deal. Former Pistons center is a part of the 2021-22 roster of Philadelphia and he could form one of the best center duos in the NBA with Joel Embiid.

Georges Niang

The Sixers desperately needed a backup for the power forward position. Niang’s signing could solve this problem, but only time will tell.

Outgoing players

George Hill

Oklahoma traded George Hill to 76ers in March this year. Hill featured in 28 games for the Sixers, including 12 in the playoffs. He has signed with the Milwaukee Bucks for the coming season.

Dwight Howard

Three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight Howard signed a one-year deal with the Sixers in 2020. He played 69 games and averaged 7 points per game, the lowest in his career. He became a free agent and signed with the Lakers for the 2021-22 NBA season.

Jun 8, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard (39) reacts after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Scott (Free Agent)

Gary Clark (Free Agent)