Would Sixers benefit from Malik Monk and George Hill acquisitions?

By George Kondoleon | May 22, 2017

Apr 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA;Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) dribbles the ball as LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) defends during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

The Sixers will be sifting through guard options in both the draft and free agency. But could they land some big names in both?

Malik Monk and George Hill? It’s not a question you hear often. Mainly because the two aren’t thought of in nearly the same breath. The Sixers could be targeting both options come summer time.

It’s a question sprung by 16 Wins A Ring writer Dylan Hughes. If the Sixers land both George Hill and Malik Monk, would that make for a dream summer? Hill would bring the most polished and skilled talents to the point guard position that the Sixers have seen through this Process era. A hot start to the 2016-17 season could earn Hill a huge payday, despite some injury concerns.

Malik Monk has always been a favorite amongst the draft prospects for the Sixers. With the team jumping up to third, many are wondering if he’s still the best draft option. The quick shooting guard is often called the perfect fit next to the elite passing forward Ben Simmons.

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So, what if the Sixers land both? Hill’s payday could very well come from Bryan Colangelo if other options fall through. But Hill’s role with Philadelphia may not be enough to justify his contract. Hill is excellent at finding open teammates and running the pick and roll, an aspect expected to be ran by Simmons.

Even without Simmons on the court, the Sixers bolster a valuable contract in TJ McConnell, and made a splash by signing Jerryd Bayless last summer. Hill would be an upgrade in multiple aspects, but with money tied up to the position with still viable options, one would wonder if Hill’s talents could be maximized in Philadelphia without disrupting the built flow of the offense.

If the Sixers landed Hill after drafting Monk, the guard unit looks a lot more talented in depth. A backcourt unit featuring Hill, Monk, McConnell, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Gerald Henderson (maybe), and Furkan Korkmaz is a misfit bunch but a talented one at that.

Six roster spots in the backcourt with money tied up, and four second-rounders still to deal with, the most challenging aspect of obtaining will be financials and rotations. Justifying paying Hill, while utilizing him to a lead guard off the bench will be challenging although he would elevate the efficiency of the second-unit.

At first glance, Hill and Monk acquisitions seem like more of a problem than a benefit. But dive deeper and you see that adding both bolsters the talent of the first and second unit. Hill is coming off a season where he had his second highest usage percentage, and his best true shooting percentage at 59.9%.

Monk comes in as potentially the most explosive scorer in the draft. And an aggressive scorer next to Ben Simmons would create a dynamic young core. If the Sixers could somehow swindle Hill on a shorter term deal, Philadelphia may be able to win this offseason as best as they could.

Next: Risks of trading back in 2017 NBA Draft

It may not be the dream scenario, but a good one at that. Hill brings a two-way guard, and Monk brings a complementary scorer. This offseason can push the team forward, and building backcourt depth can bring huge benefits.