76ers Rumors: Ditching NBA Draft, Daryl Morey Could Follow Alex Caruso Route to Hurt Rob Pelinka’s Plans

The Philadelphia 76ers want to win and they want to win now. ‘Trusting the Process’ for several years, Philly fans are tired of seeing their team get no further than the second round. With that, Daryl Morey is ready to make some significant moves this off-season to increase the team’s firepower and hopefully contend for the title. While there were speculations that he would do so with his pick #16 and #41 in the draft, the latest report suggests that Morey might leverage that pick to get his hands on Alex Caruso, ruining Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ plans.

If this shakeup in the Bulls pans out, Morey and the Sixers will benefit greatly. Of course, the draft picks, even though they’re aiming for one, can be difficult to pursue, but picking Caruso can bolster the roster massively.

With their pick right before the Lakers’ 17, there have been murmurs that Morey might draft Colorado Buffaloes star Tristan Da Silva before the Lakers do. With his ability to play on both ends of the floor, Silva was initially projected to be drafted by the Lakers via ESPN’s mock draft. However, Sixers Wire editor Ky Carlin claims that Morey might have a whole new plan with his 16 pick, “I don’t think the Sixers keep the #16 pick in this draft. I think they trade that pick away for a win now player. Alex Caruso is the immediate name that comes to mind. If you’re the Sixers, you have to at least give the Bulls a call to see if he’s available.”

Amid the pressure of winning a title before it’s too late, there is a chance that drafting Da Silva might not help the Sixers get over the hump right away. Instead, Morey could use that pick to lure the Chicago Bulls, who look ready for a rebuild after the Zach LaVine-DeMar DeRozan duo failed to find any success together. And that could help Morey land Caruso, who has proven playoff experience after he helped the Lakers win a title four years ago. Even in this scenario, Rob Pelinka might miss out on drafting Da Silva as the Bulls could use the young star as part of their rebuild.

Moreover, another way Morey might hurt Pelinka’s plans is by stealing one of his trade targets in Caruso. While not eyed by the Lakers at the moment, Caruso has constantly been linked with his former team and there were rumors ahead of the mid-season deadline that the Lakers might have been interested in acquiring him.

If all of this pans out as planned, the Sixers’ roster will have players they can actually rely on and not just Embiid. Caruso’s entry in Philly can be meaningful as it can improve their standings in the next season after an early playoffs exit this year.

Can Alex Caruso solve the Sixers’ problems?

Although the Bulls did not make any moves during the mid-season trade deadline, they were reportedly considering sending Caruso to the Warriors at the last minute. While that deal didn’t work out, it did show that the Bulls might be interested in trading the former Champion. And this could be the perfect opportunity for Morey to swoop in and acquire him. Yes, Caruso is far from the max-level superstar that Philly is looking for. But his addition could solve several other problems for the Sixers.

Caruso is great on the perimeter as a defender, so of course, Philly will be eager to tap in on his talent, especially after watching Brunson destroy the team’s chances in the postseason. While most Philly players have a tendency to choke in the postseason, Caruso has played on the biggest stage and won a title in the past.

Caruso’s elite defensive abilities can easily lock down the best players on opposite teams. Even his career 38% shooting from the three-point line will be a big boost for Philly as every Championship team needs a good three and D guy on the roster.

Averaging a career-high 10.1 points while playing the most games of his career this season, Caruso showed that his game is still improving and he can be a huge asset for any team. When absent, Chicago’s defensive ratings plummeted to 117.0 points. In fact, the team’s ratings dropped to 110.9/100 possession, with him actively participating.

Even if the Sixers add him, they will still need a star like Paul George, who Morey has been pursuing this summer. But Caruso’s addition only makes the team better and could get them closer to finally winning a title. He’s a 2-way wonder who can contribute a lot to Embiid’s and Maxey’s cause.

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to stardom. Keep checking this space for more such updates.