Lakers and Kings Dictate 2017 NBA Draft Of Philadelphia 76ers

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May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown (right) poses with NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum after the 76ers receive the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

As the fans of the Philadelphia 76ers weigh the virtue of improving the team this year over the impact on the 2017 NBA Draft: keep in mind the 2017 draft hinges on the performance of the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers

It’s been a rough ride as a fan of the Philadelphia 76ers these past three years. The Philadelphia 76ers have won 19, 18, and 10 games respectively over that period, and as a result have earned the third pick of the NBA draft twice (Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor) and the first pick once (Ben Simmons).

After a long drought, or decision to follow the path of austerity, the Philadelphia 76ers have the team of Sam Hinkie’s blueprint: center Joel Embiid is returning to health after two years of rehabilitation, Dario Saric is coming to the NBA after two years of European basketball, and Ben Simmons was selected by the first draft pick of the NBA Draft by the 76ers since the team’s 1996 selection of Allen Iverson – some 20 years ago.

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And so, we stand facing the 2016-2017 with a new roster, and new hope. But some habits are tough to break. Some see the potential of the Philadelphia 76ers and want to slow down on the progress. The Philadelphia 76ers have certainly been judicious so far in free agency, after three days of open negotiations, the team has lost point guard Ish Smith, has made no effort to retain either power forward Elton Brand nor hybrid guard Isaiah Canaan, and finally did sign point guard Jerryd Bayless, an eight year NBA veteran who can play either point or off – ball guard.

And then the team rested.

Fans reactions have been mixed. Some are content with a team showing fiscal discipline while others want the team to show more than one free agent. But there is the undertone of concern that if the team does too well this season, the oasis of the 2017 NBA draft will dry up as we approach, a mirage that will vanish as a result of our success.

It won’t. Sam Hinkie thought of everything. The 2017 NBA Draft outcome of the Philadelphia 76ers depends on two teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings.

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