I would best describe my disposition over the recent trades of Michael Carter-Williams (Milwaukee Bucks) and K.J. McDaniels (Houston Rockets) as “bitter-sweet restrained jubilation.”
I really admired the grit, determination, athleticism, and competitive drive of K.J. McDaniels. He guarded and sacrificed his body. He made highlight reel plays, dunks, finishes and also did the non-glamorous dirty jobs. He was impressive as a help-side defender and rebounder. K.J. also blocked shots in the painted area and could even swat stuff off the perimeter. He had the gusto, the Philly moxy and the intangibles. Sure, he struggled from the field, but I am sure Brett Brown felt much of the same. But like Thaddeus Young, another special talent, K.J. McDaniels had to go for the short-term and the long-term benefits of the Sixers. What’s more, Isaiah Canaan is a good player.
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As for Michael-Carter Williams, I saw flashes of brilliance and a vast potential. But aside from the commonality in low shooting percentage, MCW did not possess some of the other qualities of McDaniels. In a tweet, he expressed his initial “shock.” When it comes however, to Sam Hinkie, you anticipated a second effort in getting a lottery pick. I also believe Brett Brown wasn’t neutral regarding the trade and what made it to the press was possibly quite often, advertising.
I can't lie I'm shocked. I love this city thank you for everything. I can honestly say I gave it my all. I wish Philly nothing but the best
— Michael Carter-Willi (@mcarterwilliams) February 19, 2015
I commend the Sixers on keeping this so quiet, while it was so obvious. I tried to find stories before hand but few speculated on the potential deal. In fact, most of the talk coming from Hinkie and Brown was good theater. Even while I wrote before the trade deadline I felt very isolated when giving clarity and honesty on Michael Carter-Williams. It was very unpopular to discuss the potential exit strategy.
Feb 20, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) during warmups prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
On Philly.com, well over 6,000 fans think trading MCW was a bad idea. I suspect many basketball coaches and players hold opposite views in virtual isolation. The local Philly media too, got caught up in elite perceptions and acceptable opinions on last year’s Rookie of the Year and drooled over his stats like fantasy league gurus. MCW can certainly play, but he wasn’t playing the style Brown liked I’m afraid. Coach Brown’s seminal drill is called, “Cut-Throat.” The great Coach Boeheim’s talented guard that flourished in the 2-3 zone was not the fit.
I am very disappointed that Hinkie is being called into question by the local sports media. Reporters are presupposing that Hinkie and Brown considered MCW as the core of the future. You can not base this on anything they ever said, for they were providing rhetorical flights to prop up trade value. Rather base the decision on how MCW played within Brown’s system. It is my hope that MCW continues to improve under Jason Kidd.
After the dust has settled, let’s look at some Hinkie damage: Potentially Four first-round selections in 2015 along with five second-round picks. Five first-round picks in the next five seasons and an unprecedented stockpiling of second-round selections. The incoming side of the ledger compared to the outgoing is truly remarkable and Hinkie is having a field day.