The Philadelphia 76ers could have one of the most expensive teams in NBA history this season, yet the Boston Celtics embarrassingly swept them in the playoffs in 2019/20.
They desperately need shot creation in the backcourt, with no real shot-creating guards on the roster. Though they have generational talents in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, they need dynamic guards to open things up for their other big men.
Kira Lewis Jr. out of Alabama is a speedy point guard who stands six-foot-three and has a six-foot-six wingspan.
Creating shots for himself is where Lewis is most comfortable. He is great at getting to the rim and uses a combo of crafty finishes and shiftiness to finish in a variety of ways.
Though his shot isn’t perfected yet, Lewis has just turned 19 and has time to continue to work on his efficiency.
Lewis is a tough defender, and though he is just 165 pounds, he will benefit from having some of the league’s best defenders alongside him in Simmons and Embiid.
The Denver Nuggets are coming off one of the most successful seasons in franchise history. They made the conference finals for only the second time since 1984/85.
They have Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray set as franchise cornerstones, with exciting young forward Michael Porter Jr also part of their core.
With Mason Plumlee now off the books and not likely to return due to his limitations on both ends, the Nuggets need a backup big.
Isaiah Stewart of Washington could be the defensive presence to pair with big man Nikola Jokic. Stewart is a 250-pound forward / center with impressive touch around the rim and has some refined old school post skills. Stewart hasn’t shown much as a jump shooter, but he shoots free throws at 77 percent, which bodes well for his development.
Defensively, he is also a traditional five. Stewart blocks shots well but can’t defend in space yet. With the way he moves up and down the court though, he could be passable on that end if he worked hard on his playability and lateral movement.