Getty Davis Bertans
The Philadelphia 76ers need to add depth at power forward, and while they don’t have many options left in free agency, one player they’re keeping an eye on is 3-point specialist Davis Bertans.
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on August 13 that the 76ers are keeping an eye on Bertans, and also explained why Bertans isn’t exactly the player they want.
“Sources say teams have had some interest in Bertans,” Pompey said in an Aug. 13 article. “But despite his 6-foot-10, 225-pound frame, Bertans is more of a three-point specialist than a power forward.”
Bertans is coming off a five-year, $80 million contract he was paid while playing for the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets.
The Wizards signed Bertans in 2020 after he averaged a career-high 15.4 points per game. His high scoring came from an increased density of 3-pointers. Bertans averaged 8.7 3-pointers per game and made 3.7 of them.
Bertans never replicated that performance. After the Wizards gave him a raise, his scoring average dropped from 15.4 to 4.6 points per game. The Hornets opted to waive Bertans as he neared the end of his contract, leaving him with just $5 million in salary.
Bertans would be making that much, so he might take a pay cut for a playoff team like the Sixers.
Davis Bertans is doing well for the Hornets.
Bertans remained a free agent all offseason, but he regained some of his value in the 28 games he played with the Hornets.
He averaged 8.8 points per game and shot 37.5% from the 3-point line. He shot 39.4% overall, but as Pompey noted, Bertans is a specialist. He’s a frontcourt player and can stretch the floor, but not much else. He’s good at stretching the floor for his size, and that may be enough.
His role with the Wizards in 2019-20 showed just how useful he can be in the right role. With the 66ers, Bertans will be playing alongside the likes of Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. Given their offensive creation abilities, Bertans’ role will simply be to spread the floor, which will make it easier for them to drive.
The 76ers have had success with players like JJ Redick and Georges Niang in this role, and Bertans could follow in their footsteps and earn the next big contract, especially since he’s only 31 years old.
Why the Sixers prefer Marcus Morris over Davis Bertans
Pompey also reported that the Sixers are interested in Morris.
“The team is interested in signing former Sixers power forward and North Philadelphia native Marcus Morris Sr.,” Pompey wrote.
He also explained why Morris is a better fit for what the Sixers want than Bertans.
“Morris is a better fit and would be a seamless addition,” Pompey wrote. “The 6-foot-8, 218-pounder’s toughness, leadership and game-winning play were missed by the 76ers after they traded him to the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 8. The versatile Morris played power forward or small-ball center as needed for the 76ers, averaging 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 40 percent 3-point shooting in 17.2 minutes per game last season.”
Matt John covers the NBA for Heavy.com. The Massachusetts native has covered the NBA for The Sporting News, FanSided, Basketball News and Basketball Insiders since 2018. Learn more about Matt John