That was fast

 

     In my defense, everyone thought that Paul George was out of the question. Shams Charania said via Twitter: "The Philadelphia 76ers' interest in pursuing Paul George has significantly waned in recent days, and the franchise is expected to be aggressive elsewhere..." No one expected Paul George going to Philly, and that it why I was so passionate about the Sixers drafting Tristan da Silva. Looking now at the team, I'm satisfied. It seems complete and ready. Now, I want McCain on the team. I didn't think that Paul George was an option. However, as usual, Daryl Morey had other plans. 

George is a Sixer

     Photo Credit: Bleacher Report

  Paul George, Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, and Eric Gordon are all 76ers. And I'm starting to like this team. What needs to be remembered, is the lack of depth the Sixers had last year. When Embiid was off the floor last year, Philadelphia looked like a youth rec league. They simply couldn't rebound, and this led to pathetic moments versus New York. The Sixers bench crumbled defensively, as New York would grab offensive rebound after another. That is why the acquisition of Drummond is so key. No longer will Philly get pummeled in the post. Drummond has is known for his ridiculous rebounding statistics. According to Stat Muse, he has 91 20+ rebounding games. He has averaged 12.4 rebounds per game throughout his career. Although his offense isn't anything special, he can still contribute with offensive rebounds.

    Eric Gordon is a veteran sharpshooter signed to boost the bench. He also replaces Buddy Hield and De'Anthony Melton as they both went to the Warriors. 

    Caleb Martin, is the Mikal Bridges the Sixers didn't get. He's a small forward with a long arms. Martin isn't as good as Bridges, but let's be honest: With Joel Embiid, George, Tyrese Maxey, and even Kelly Oubre, do the Sixers need an offensive giant? Martin is an excellent bench player, someone to spark the team. However, although many disagree, I would start Oubre over Martin, but we'll see what the season brings us.

    Paul George is the obvious hot topic. The 34-year-old is exiting his prime, and entering the "ring-chasing phase." And what better team to do it with? With his wing presence teams shouldn't have as easy a time shooting threes on Philly. The Knicks took advantage of weak Philadelphia wing and post defense. New York would easily grab offensive boards, kick out to the wing, and try another three. It was a big reason why Philadelphia lost that pivotal, crazy game 2. George's numbers did drop last year in the playoffs, which is a bit of a red flag, but again, the key word is depth. Someone to complement Maxey and Embiid, not replace. George averaged 41.3 points and 1.5 steals last year. 

    I like this team a lot. Envision this starting five: Lowry, Maxey, Oubre, George, Embiid. And then take a look at this bench: McCain, Payne, Caleb Martin, Council IV, Drummond, K.J. Martin, Covington, Gordon, and Bona. The Knicks are one of Philly's biggest threats right now, but this team can compete with them. They are a little thin at the forward position, but it isn't too big of an issue right now. If necessary, they can make a move mid-season. This is a complete team ready to go in the Eastern conference. 

The above photo was taken from a Bleacher Report article. Photo taken by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images. Image used for commentary.