News on December 24 revealed that the 76ers are close to signing Kenyon Lofton Jr., who was previously cut by the Grizzlies, and this two-way contract will provide Embiid with interior help. Lofton played 15 games with the Grizzlies and handed over 26 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist, shooting 38% from the field and 30% from three-point range. After Morant's return, the Grizzlies made room for him to cut Lofton, and now he will play for the 76ers for the remainder of the game. Lofton was drafted by the Grizzlies in the 2022 draft and has played in 39 games for the team over the past year and a half, averaging 41 point 17 rebounds and shot 485%。
His career masterpiece was last season's finale, against the Thunder, where he scored 42 points and 14 rebounds, becoming the most scoring player in NBA history since 1970. Even though he played for most of his time in the Development League, Lofton still showed some of his strength in the stats. He has good interior skills, strong confrontation, and has the ability to shoot from the outside, and his style of play is biased towards the small-ball era. While the 76ers may not give him much playing time after signing Lofton, it shouldn't be a problem to let him play a few minutes in place of Embiid when the interior is short of players.
Redefining 76ers' Interior Depth: Kenyon Lofton Jr.'s Chances Recently, according to reliable sources, the Philadelphia 76ers lacked interior depth. This gave Kenyon Lofton Jr. a chance to showcase his talent. He has the potential to be Embiid's backup, and if he can take that opportunity, then he could expect to get a guaranteed contract. Let's take a look at his opportunities and challenges. First, let's dive into the current state of the Philadelphia 76ers' interior line. With Beasley's departure, the team's interior depth is a bit lacking. This gave Lofton a stage to show himself. He needs to make the most of his talent and be a key substitute for the team.
Lofton needs to show his quality and potential to be a consistent force on the team's interior. If he can be a backup to Embiid, then he could expect to get a guaranteed contract. It's a win-win situation for him and for the team. In the upcoming bouts, Lofton will need to show his skill and awareness and prove that he can do the job. He needs to keep improving and earn the trust of the coaching staff and the fans. Overall, Kenyon Lofton Jr.'s chances on the inside of the Philadelphia 76ers should not be underestimated. He needs to give it his all, show his quality and potential, and win the recognition of the team and the fans.
If he can be a reliable backup for Embiid, then he will have the opportunity to earn a guaranteed contract that will give him a solid foundation for his basketball career.