Apr 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tony Wroten (8) shoots in the fourth quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 113-108. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Hi all, with the off season in full swing for Philadelphia, things can get kind of dry around here sometimes! We can only talk about the draft for so long before everyone gets blue in the head. The Sixer Sense staff wants the NBA Draft Lottery on May 20th here as quick as you do! To pass some of the time, our writers participated in a roundtable about free agency, the future of this organization, among other things. Enjoy!
Do you see the Sixers targeting any potential FA’s this offseason? If so, who? If no, why not?
Adam Booth: The 76ers need to look into some of the free agent options. The idea of LeBron James coming here has already been discussed at length, but there is a decent chance that he isn’t coming to town. Realistically I like Zach Randolph. Even though he had a rough start to his career, Z-Bo has matured on and off the court and has been a quiet force down there in Memphis. They will probably offer him a lucrative deal to stay but the 76ers could do just the same. This means the end of Thaddeus Young, which saddens me but he needs to go chase rings right now. I also like Avery Bradley in the sense where this team gets a lock down defender. Philly could of won a lot more games if they had any defensive presence. Get Bradley and add Noel into that line up, there goes your defense problem.
Finally Shawn Livingston. I know he is a project, but having a nice backup point guard with veteran experience would help out MCW develop. I don’t think he will be looking for a starting gig anywhere so he could come on the cheap. Lets just hope his body holds.
Dante Nelson: If there was one player I’d like to see, it’s Greg Monroe of the Pistons. He’s a restricted free agent. Considering he’s become the odd man out of the Pistons’ big man rotation, plus he’d probably be too much money for the Pistons to match offers, I’d like to see the Sixers chase him. He’s a nice PF to fit with Noel especially since I still think this is Thad’s last season on the team.
Curt Jenkins: I don’t see the Sixers targeting marquee FA’s but we just have to wait and see.
The Playoffs are upon us, how long until the Sixers are back in playoff contention?
Adam Booth: Its hard to pinpoint an exact time. If this team drafts well and everyone develops while landing maybe one if not two decent free agents, while the Eastern Conference continues to be weak… two years. But if the progress isn’t there at first and some of the talent a comes back to the right coast, then it could be a few.
I hold that the 76ers will be the 2021 NBA champions. So lets say 2018 is when they start really fighting for rings.
Dante Nelson: The East is weak, and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to get much better soon. If their lottery pick works out, and if they assemble a nice group of players (obviously, serious talent won’t sign here), then next season could happen. But, probably not. I’ll go with 2016.
Curt Jenkins: Sixers will be back in the playoffs possibly as early as next year. Wouldn’t surprise me if the became a 7/8 seed. But to be back at the “contender” level , I’ll give them 3-4 years for a full development.
Would you rather have the Sixers make the playoffs next season as a 7/8 seed and relinquish their 2015 1st rounder, or miss the playoffs and keep the pick?
Adam Booth: Hold on to the pick, get the 10 seed. No matter who the Sixers put out there next year, and no matter what happens with free agents, the team will not be ready to compete for championships of any kind. Division or otherwise. So let the kids develop and keep stock piling the arsenal. Next years class might not be as deep but remember, MCW was the 11th pick. More gems can be found.
Dante Nelson: I think I would prefer to see them in the playoffs next season. As I said, they probably won’t, but 7/8 seed seems fun. By then, in my opinion, you already have your core of pick from 2014, MCW, and Noel (and maybe Monroe!) and it’s time to develop them and give them experience on all levels.
Curt Jenkins: It depends on the depth of the draft honestly. We also have a plethora of picks in the second round. We also will have four players drafted in the first round in the floor in 2015. I wouldn’t mind to relinquish the pick but then again to give it to a rival like Boston would be a major hurt piece.
If you had to give an MVP award to someone on the Sixers, who would it be? It can be player or coach.
Adam Booth: Thaddeus Young. Lead the 76ers in points (17.9 ppg) and steals (2.1) and third on the team in rebounds (6.0). He had career games this year that were lost in empty arenas. He had to see every teammate he had left sent to places elsewhere, yet had to stay to captain the sinking ship all year long. Honestly the man deserves a medal. Hope he stays but can’t blame him if he doesn’t.
Dante Nelson: Gotta go with Thad Young. He clearly doesn’t want to be here. But, that hasn’t stopped him from playing hard and staying a professional. I mean, part of why he isn’t acting like a fool is because he wants to make sure there’s a market for him. Nobody wants to take a risk on a crybaby. Even so, you have to give Thad credit.
Curt Jenkins: I would have to bestow that award to Thad Young. After the trade of Turner and Hawes the former number one pick did what he could to keep the team together in the midst of a 26- game losing streak. He had a boost in scoring and FG percentage.