June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; Maurice Harkless (St. John

The Sixers had a decent draft. I’m going on the assumption that this is the beginning of what will be an eventful off-season. They took Maurice (formerly known as Moe) Harkless with the 15th pick. As I said before, I hated it. I figure that it definitely meant that Andre Iguodala would be traded.

You draft for talent and trade for need. I’ve been following that. But, was Harkless the best talent available at the time? I say no. I’m not sure if I agree with the pick. It’s not that Harkless isn’t good, he’s just not good for the team. I’m half expecting he’ll be used in a trade (maybe the Iguodala trade). Harkless is another Thad Young, at least offensively. A tall 6-9 forward who can’t shoot. He does do some driving to the rim so that’s a plus.

Remember, the big needs of this team is shooting and big man scoring and defense. Harkless fits neither one of those needs so you trade for need. Thad’s not going anywhere with that contract. Iguodala is gone. Is Harkless going to start alongside Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner? Hmm? Not sure I can take that.

But then the Sixers made a deal during the draft that made things a little better. They managed to get Arnett Moultrie. Now he’s a big that probably fell a little lower than people expected. He was projected in the teens for the most part but was picked 27th. Sixers got him for the 45th pick, which ended up being a Center. The Heat do need some size at Center so this pick for the Heat made sense. The Sixers also gave up a 1st round pick in a future draft. I don’t know how protected it is but I’m hoping it’s very protected as the Sixers will be taking steps backwards in the standings for next season if Iguodala is traded.

So, the Sixers came away with two players, one that is needed, and another that isn’t really needed. If the Sixers drafted Zeller and then traded for Moultrie, the draft would be an “B”. Instead, I give them a C. But, this grade is incomplete as I’m expecting a trade from the results of the draft. But, if Iguodala and Harkless are on the team at the start of the season, the grade will be going down. I’ll be checking around the web for draft grades and bring them to you in one or two days.

July 1st begins the off-season. The Sixers only have the first 7 days of free agency to decide if they want to amnesty Elton Brand. And so, that will most likely be the first thing we hear from the Sixers. Then, I would imagine they would make decisions on Spencer Hawes and Lou Williams. Meanwhile, they have Iguodala to think about. Should be an interesting off-season.

June 4, 2012; Westwego, LA, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Arnett Moultrie talks with the media following a pre-draft workout with the New Orleans Hornets at the Alario Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

It’s not completely official, but, the Sixers traded their 45th pick of this draft and a future 1st round pick for Arnett Moultrie. He was picked up by the Heat with the 27th pick. I am pleased. I was hoping that Moultrie would be picked at 15 but this seems to work out. I’m thinking that the 1st round pick is protected. Also, I’m still expecting an Iguodala trade.

So, because the 45th pick is gone, all that’s left is the 54th pick. Will the Sixers make another move before the night ends? I don’t think so. But, I liked the move.