The Thirteen Misfit Toys

April 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward

(24) shoots the basketball against New Orleans Pelicans forward

(23) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Power Forward
Carl Landry
The other guy.  That’s what 6’9″ 248 pound Carl Landry has fallen to in discussions among Sixer fans.  In the trade of the year, the Sixers obtained Nik Stauskas from the Sacramento Kings. In that trade, they obtain hometown favortie Jason Thompson, who was then exchanged with the Golden State Warriors for Gerald Wallace.  And the team got the other guy.. .you know… what’s his name. Well, what’s his name is Carl Landry, and he’s likely to see some significant time as a Philadelphia 76er.   Why? Ha!  We never let you down here at the Sixer Sense.   A fine article by Aram Cannuscio goes into detail about how Landry projects for this team.  He is deadly at the mid range shot, which is likely to be critical this season.  In addition, much as the value of Gerald Wallace, Landry will serve as an excellent bridge/mentor to the young team learning how to win.  An eight year veteran, he’s had post season experience with the Houston Rockets, the New Orleans Pellicans, and the Golden State Warriors. While he’s no threat from deep, he has a sweet mid range shot, and he sinks his free throws.  Much like his shots, he’s also one of the few “mid range” veterans who have some game left in him, which gives him a unique perspective of growing the players around him as he makes himself vital to the Sixers roster.  He’ll have more skin in the game to see his teammates succeed, as that will add value to his role as he matures in the league. Despite all this talk of fit and role and mentor and longevity, it seems nobody is certain whether Landry makes the roster or simply exits in the next player exchange. We’ve even detailed talk of a Landry to the Washington Wizards scenario.  While the trade makes sense, I’m not on-board.  We know that the team needs a mid ranger, and Landry is the best this team has at that distance.   Unless the deal is as sweet as the Stauskas, Thomson, Landry trade, I don’t think Landry moves this year. 2016?  Of course.

Next: Isaiah Canaan