76ers Might Have NBA's Best Defense After Adding Josh Richardson and Al Horford

After reportedly turning down a five-year max offer from the Sixers, Jimmy Butler was traded to the Miami Heat in a four team sign-and-trade deal that saw Josh Richardson return for Philadelphia.

A few minutes later, news broke that the Sixers signed Al Horford to a four-year deal worth more than $100 million.

The acquisitions of Richardson and Horford set up Philly to be one of the top defensive teams in the NBA after the departure of Butler. Pairing those two with two proven elite defenders in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid will give opposing offenses nightmares during the 2019-20 season.

For the last two seasons, Richardson has been excellent in guarding the pick-and-roll and has shown some major athleticism with highlight reel blocks around the painted area.

Horford showed his defensive IQ against the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, locking down both superstars for extended periods of time last year. He is known around the league as an underrated rim protector, as the Celtics defense often collapsed without him on the floor last year.

The shortest guy in the Sixers projected starting lineup is Richardson at 6-foot-6. The team will roll out an incredibly long lineup that will give opposing offenses fits in the painted area. Even with Tobias Harris, who is a below average defender on most days, the team's help defense will cover most of the mistakes he, or any other player will make.

Yes, the team still has holes to fill on its roster. Specifically, the Sixers could benefit from adding a shooter and a shot creator following the loss of J.J. Redick. Expect more moves to come, but as it stands, coach Brett Brown will love the defensive potential of his new look Sixers.