Free-agent loss leaves Sixers in dire need of size

Yabusele was one of the few bright spots of a frustrating 2024-25 season for the 76ers. Now, he's a member of their Atlantic Division rivals after signing with the Knicks, leaving Philadelphia quite, well, short on front-court size.

Based on ESPN's depth chart, the Sixers' projected starting power forward is Paul George, a player who stands 6-foot-8 but isn't particularly big for a power forward or an impressive rebounder. Behind him is presumably Kelly Oubre, who also stands 6-foot-8 but weighs 208 pounds — he averaged 4.6 rebounds for his career and is generally considered a shooting guard or small forward.

If George gets injured, a strong possibility after he missed half of Philly's games last season, the Sixers have new signee Trendon Watford and a group of small forwards that includes Justin Edwards and Ricky Council IV. It's just a very small team, which might help in terms of scoring and spacing but could prove very difficult on defense and on the glass.

The Sixers have acquired insurance for the oft-injured Joel Embiid with Andre Drummond, Adem Bona and second-round center Johni Broome. Maybe Broome or Bona could slide down to the four. But until they make another move, the 76ers' power forward position options are old, undersized or both. That's a big problem to have two days into free agency.