Philadelphia 76ers Rewind: The 2013 NBA Draft and Nerlens Noel

Jun 27, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; is selected as the number one overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2013 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Doesn’t the 2013 NBA Draft seem like ages ago? In reality, it happened just a little over a year ago on June 27, 2013 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Coming into this draft the Philadelphia 76ers were coming off a 34-48 seasons, which is the definition of mediocrity. Thaddeus Young lead the squad with 7.4 win shares and the team was coached by Doug Collins.

Collins reign as leader of the Sixers would end after the season as new GM Sam Hinkie would come into power, leaving the Houston Rockets, and have his first opportunity to make his mark on the 76ers in the 2013 NBA Draft.

The 76ers owned the No. 11 pick in the draft and most fans weren’t expecting anything outrageous. Obviously, the Philadelphia fan base wasn’t aware of the genius that was Sam Hinkie. One word to describe the 76ers draft in 2013 would be unpredictable. So, let’s get into the 2013 NBA Draft for Philly and why it changed the course that this franchise was headed in forever.