By Art Beitchman
With the trade deadline passed last Thursday, the Sixers brought in two players to strengthen a bench that’s been suspect the better part of two seasons.
Bringing top scorer Tyrese Maxey in as a 6th man has been successful offensively, but the team needed more rebounding and defense when the starters are off the floor.
Trading for 6-9 Jalen McDaniels looks to be an upgrade; the wing who came in the 3-way trade in the Matisse Thybulle deal, is another 3 and D guy who can crash the boards.
More recently, the Sixers inked wide body Dewayne Dedman whose contract was bought out by the Miami Heat.
At 7 foot, 245 pounds, Dedman (above as a Sixer in 2014) has the needed girth to mix it up under the hoop when Joel Embiid gets his rest with opposition looking to go to the hole.
These are nice pickups, as is 6-2 Mac McClung, signed on a two-way from the Delaware Blue Coats.
We’ll see how they play out with a game against the Cavs tonight at home before the All-Star break.
