NBA News: Sixers Need To Plug Big Hole, Give Embiid Help To Progress

February is almost here and NBA fans are closely monitoring transactions before the trade deadline in the coming weeks.

There are a lot of big names to monitor, one of which is Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Although there have been numerous pitches made for the 6-foot-11 cager, nothing has come close to convincing team president Daryl Morey.

As things stand now, the Sixers cannot entirely rely on Joel Embiid.

Paul Mokeski explained that the absence of Simmons left a big hole that Philly needs to address when the former NBA player appeared on the Sports for All PH podcast.

“That’s mind-boggling to me. Embiid is having an MVP year and he is laying it out the court, he has given it has all doing everything. He’s got [roughly] five years left, but when he is looking around, there’s no Ben Simmons… and there’s no one in Ben Simmons’ spot,” the 62-year-old shared.

As far as Mokeski is concerned, he feels that someone in the mold of CJ McCollum could be perfect if the Sixers were to consider someone to replace the three-time All-Star.

“My perfect fit for them? CJ McCollum from Portland. He’s got some problems, but someone like that would be a perfect fit because he fits in with them. But anybody you fit in that hole, even me or you, would be better than [what] they have now. They have a hole. If they had you or me, they would have something in the hole,” he stressed.

As things stand now, Mokeski believes that Embiid is looking for that guy to help him or someone he can pass out to at certain times.

“I gotta believe that Embiid is looking around going ‘Come on man, do something, get me another starter that can help me. Get me a knockdown shooter that can help me. Get me a physical presence big guy… PJ Tucker can help me. Give me something to fill that hole,’” Mokeski said.

So far, three teams have tried to pull off something to appease the Sixer to let go of Simmons but hardly made progress.

The Minnesota Timberwolves once made a bid of adding Simmons to the cast of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards, but it hit a snag as they don’t have tempting assets to offer.

There is also the Atlanta Hawks, where the name of John Collins has been mentioned in a potential deal.

The Sixers are allegedly interested in the offer, but talks bogged down when Tobias Harris was inserted into the mix per HoopsHype's report.

Another team that Morey feels has a good chance is the Sacramento Kings. They are interested in acquiring Tyrese Haliburton, but the 21-year-old is someone what the team is not too keen on letting go of.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, there could still be other clubs interested.

But as far as engaging in talks, most are apprehensive because of the steep price that Philly is seeking.