The Philadelphia 76ers have expectations as high as any team in the NBA this season after years of underachieving.
Injuries have often plagued the Sixers, none more so than star player Joel Embiid, but their fans remain frustrated about not contending for the title despite having such a talented roster.
However, this season appears to be the best opportunity yet, given the Achilles injuries to Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) and Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers).
The 76ers should feel confident against any team in the Eastern Conference, especially after their offseason improvements.
Tyrese Maxey recently spoke about an under-the-radar signing that could be more impactful than people realize.
Photo by G Fiume/Getty ImagesTyrese Maxey thinks Trendon Watford will improve the Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers’ biggest off-season acquisition was the selection of VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The Sixers also added former Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Walker in free agency, but Maxey singled out another addition.
He believes that Trendon Watford, who agreed to a two-year, $5.3 million deal, will improve the Sixers this season.
“I think the Sixers get somebody who can do a lot of different things, honestly, somebody who’s gonna work extremely hard, but come to work every single day,” Maxey said.
“He wants to play, he wants to win, and he wants to be a good guy, be a culture-setting guy.
“I think he’s gonna come out and he’s gonna work every day. He’s gonna do all the little things that you need.
“He’ll definitely surprise a lot of people. He can do some things that you don’t think he can do. He’s pretty good. Glad we have him.”
What the Philadelphia 76ers can expect from Trendon Watford
Trendon Watford’s name might not be familiar to some NBA fans despite playing four consecutive seasons in the league.
Watford spent the first two years of his professional career with the Portland Trail Blazers and the next two with the Brooklyn Nets.
He has little experience playing winning basketball in the NBA, but he can definitely contribute to the Sixers.
The power forward averaged 10 points per game last season on 52 percent efficiency from the field and 33% from three.
Watford will likely join 2024 second-round pick Adam Bona in Philadelphia’s backup frontcourt under Nick Nurse.