3 76ers on Thin Ice Heading Into the Playoffs

Buddy Hield

This may seem harsh as Buddy Hield only joined the team at the trade deadline. Acquired from the Indiana Pacers, the sharpshooter has a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in his eighth NBA season. However, it's hard to say that the 31-year-old shooting guard has had the impact the Sixers were hoping for so far.

In Hield's defense, he was thrown into the fire the moment he arrived in Philadelphia. Joel Embiid was out and the team was struggling on both ends of the floor. Hield, who thrives as an off-ball option and in a two-man game with a center didn't have Embiid to work off of. So far, he has appeared in 32 games, starting in 14, and is averaging 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3 assists on 38.9% shooting from three in 25.8 minutes of action.

These are not awful numbers by any means, but it's important to remember that Hield is the third-highest-paid player on the team, making $19.2 million this season. This performance isn't necessarily screaming team-friendly contract.

However, he is on an expiring deal. The Sixers have to give him a new deal this summer if they want to keep him around. He would need to give Philadelphia a discount for general manager Daryl Morey to consider re-signing him.

Plus, we have no idea how he will perform in the postseason. Among all active players, Hield has played the most regular season games without a playoff appearance. He needs to show that he can be an effective scorer in the postseason. Otherwise, his Sixers tenure might be shorter-lived than initially anticipated.

Despite starting the postseason in the Play-In, the Sixers have the third-best odds in the Eastern Conference to make the NBA Finals. (+850) Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to take advantage of these odds and don't forget to claim your $150 in bonus bets after your first wager.

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