Without enjoying a single minute for the Philadelphia 76ers, a story is already being shaped round Dean Wade. Gearing up for the 2026-2027 NBA season, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz listed every staff’s most disrespected hidden gem. For the Sixers, it is Wade.
We will not know the way Wade will look in a Sixers uniform till we see him in motion. Still, it is onerous to debate towards the concept Wade will seemingly run into some criticism because of the truth that he signed a notable contract this summer time.
For the following 4 years, Wade will gather $38.7 million if he sees the whole contract by way of. According to Spotrac, the final season has just $1.6 million out of $10.3 million in wage assured.
Wade was the first–and most costly free agent signing for the Sixers this offseason. So, if his manufacturing does not rise, prepare for the takes.
The struggles of the ability forwards in Philly
The Sixers are constructed top-heavy. With a number of All-Stars within the beginning 5 over time, it grew to become troublesome for the fourth and fifth choices to face out. Typically, the ability ahead is below scrutiny.
The 76ers have had some recognizable names on the place over time, for higher or for worse. In 2022, the Sixers signed PJ Tucker to a three-year, $33.04 million contract. He made barely extra throughout his first 76ers season than Wade will.
The numbers had been horrible. 3.5 factors per recreation, with 3.9 rebounds. Tucker shot 39.3% from three, however tried 1.9 of them per recreation. Still, everyone within the constructing would reward Tucker’s defensive toughness and veteran management, particularly within the playoffs. The head coach, Nick Nurse, was bummed he obtained simply three video games with him in 2023-2024.
In the next season, the Sixers added Nic Batum within the commerce that Tucker was concerned in to get to the Los Angeles Clippers. That 12 months, Batum made $11.7 million. He noticed the opposite aspect of it, the place his 5.5 factors, 4.2 rebounds, and 39.9% capturing from three had been supported by the fan base.
These are two examples of what Wade may find yourself wanting like when he goes by way of his first season with the 76ers.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2025-2026, Wade shot 36.2% from three, averaging 5.8 factors per recreation. He additionally produced 4.2 rebounds per recreation and 1.5 assists per recreation.
No participant who steps on the courtroom is freed from criticism. I guarantee you, Wade will hear it from Philly followers and media if he is really underperforming.
But know that he will not “jump off the page.” Especially whereas sharing the courtroom with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid.
“The veteran forward doesn’t force shots and does all the dirty work that allows the stars around him to shine,” Swartz wrote in his piece. “He’s a perfect fit on a Sixers team that will have a lot of mouths to feed.”
Keep this in thoughts whereas watching the 2026-2027 Sixers.
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