Did 76ers Hinkie Err By Not Re-signing Sixers?

res

Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie speaks to the media during a press conference to introduce Jerry Colangelo (not pictured) as special advisor before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Did Philadelphia 76ers President And General Manager Sam Hinkie Err By Not Re-signing Sixers Players?

I covered the event as it happened. Sixers Deciding No Players Worth Re-signing was an article I had hoped might prompt some comments. Crickets.  But the article had some points worth noting.

The team had an option on several players but did not show any interest in bringing them back. Of course some could be simply incompatible with the new team direction. Some could be a player valuing his services greater than the team. But the Sixers had surrendered Luc Mbah a Moute, JaVale McGee, Jason Richardson, Glenn Robinson, Thomas Robinson, Henry Sims, and Ish Smith to free agency. Of this group, only Mbah A Moute (failed a physical voiding deal with Sacramento Kings), Henry Sims, and Ish Smith were unsigned.   How are the players doing in the NBA now?

Let’s set some background however.  The Philadelphia 76ers were bad last year, and they were bad the previous year.  In fact, the team has been on a slowly descending spiral and the actions of general manage Sam Hinkie merely accelerated the process to get to the bottom of the barrel.  There’s really not much room left to go but up right now.  At one win and 25 losses, you might think this team has made a mistake by surrendering talent without an effort to resign.

More from Sixers News

• 3 Sixers players who could help Team USA Basketball
• 76ers 2k24 ratings: 3 most underrated players on Philadelphia roster
• 76ers head coach Nick Nurse bares lofty plans for Paul Reed this season
• Grade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock deal
• Breaking Down Bombshell Report on Sixers Star James Harden

But the fact of professional sports is that it has limits as to what you can do.  It limits how much you can pay for players on your team via the salary cap.  It limits how much playing time each player can get via five positions and game clock.  But it also limits how many players you can take along for the ride.  That’s where it becomes the task of the general manager of any professional sports team to blend veteran and youth, experience with development, production today with tomorrow’s promise.  Sitting down to the Philadelphia 76ers depth chart this season shows that Philadelphia Sam Hinkie drove the team to the brink of young.  Most players are no older than their early 20’s, and the team is unfamiliar with playing on the same side of the basketball court.  Would keeping veterans have made a difference?  Unlikely.

Both Sam Hinkie and Brett Brown are in synch, and they are working the roster to see who can play what position with which player.  As painful as this may sound, it’s a dress rehersal folks.  Live, in living color, cameras are rolling and it counts.   The “process” has encountered some hiccups in the beginning of the season with injuries, but it continues to press on, simply placing bench players into starting roles until other players heal and can assume minutes.  That process is an investment, time in a player’s development is an aggregate benefit.  The more time a player plays on a basketball court when they enter the NBA, the better they eventually become.

So the roster filled with young players should improve over time.  Signing players who have been in the league may be more consistant, but after five or so years the players potential is realized.  If they do not show signs of super-stardom by then, it’s a safe bet to say it won’t happen.  So it was with the seven players who did not remain with the Sixers.   How are they faring?

Next: Luc Mbah a Moute

Dec 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (12) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Clippers won 109-95. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Luc Mbah a Moute

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is currently playing a reserve role at power forward with the Los Angeles Clippers, which almost did not happen due to a reported failed physical. But the NBPA stepped in and ensured a Moute ended up on the Clippers roster.  While his most productive season was with the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014-2015 season, he was a competent reserve power forward for the Milwaukee Bucks for five seasons, before a one year stint with the Sacramento Kings.

His one year with the Sixers was a career best:  He averaged 28.6 minutes per game, 1.2 steals per game, and he scored 9.9 points per game.  But for the longer period of time on the court, he could only muster 4.9 rebounds per game, 0.3 blocks per game, and committed 1.5 turnovers per game.

His role with the Clippers is bench relief, as he backs up their top scorer Blake Griffin.  Griffin is outstanding on the court, which leaves a mere ten minutes per game for a Moute to handle.  With the bit role on the Clippers, a Moute’s statistics are a pale shade of his 76ers production.  He does fill a niche with the Clippers in a defensive role, and he is adequate for what Los Angeles asks from him.  But it’s clear that he was one player who did not “get away”.  He fills a slot on a veteran team, a role that simply does not exist on the Sixers.

Next: Javale McGee

Sep 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center

JaVale McGee

(11) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee is currently a reserve center with the Dallas Mavericks. Towering at 7’0″, he has the right dimensions for the game. But basketball is more than towering over your opponent. Now in his eighth season, McGee has filled a reserve role with most teams, with his most productive season coming in the 2011-2012 season when he was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Denver Nuggets.

McGee never quite caught on in his one year with Philadelphia. He came from the Nuggets in a salary dump move that also yielded the first round pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a pick that is currently protected in rounds 1-15. From the moment he arrived, he was completely out of place. The acquisition was solely a salary dump for Denver, and a draft pick up for the Sixers. As far as what McGee contributed to the team, not even the ever optimistic head coach of the 76ers, Brett Brown, had anything positive to say:

And so, the Sixers merely had a player on their roster to round out the team. There was no interest in retaining him, and his role with the Dallas Mavericks, though fewer minutes, seems to have worked out well as his points per game has jumped from 3.0 to 4.3.

Next: jason Richardson

Apr 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard

Jason Richardson

(23) shoots foul shots against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. The Wizards won 119-90. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Richardson

Jason Richardson is a thirteen year veteran shooting guard who announced his retirement September 23, 2015, following his 2014-2015 season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Richardson played 33 games for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2013-2014, and 19 games  in 2014-15.  His time with the team was hindered tremendously due to several serious injuries.   Those issues looked serious enough last October to persuade Richardson to retire then, but he fought to get back onto the court. Richardson is a hard working player, willing his way back to play when simply collecting a paycheck from a bad Sixers organization would have been the easier path. Richardson retires with more than 14,644 points, a 17.1 per-game scoring average (for both the regular season and playoffs, oddly enough), and a 16.3 PER.

While it’s clear that the time had come for Richardson to walk away from the game, his production and work ethic would have been a true bonus to the Sixers this season. A no-nonsense guy, his dunks will be the aspect of his game that will be most remembered. But Richardson’s professionalism was always the constant and dependable aspect of his career. From the basketball court to interviews, it’s almost impossible to hear a negative word from anyone who spent time around the guy. Richardson adapted his game to new circumstances and always came out more respected than before.

His production was waning and it’s quite understandable after so many years of physical wear and tear, that he simply wanted to walk away while he could still walk.  But it remains a mental exercise to imagine one more year of the man on this team.   I believe he would have been a positive force, as he was his entire NBA career.

Next: Glenn Robinson III

Nov 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard

Glenn Robinson III

(40) leads a fast break against the Milwaukee Bucks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers defeated the Bucks 123-86. Mandatory Credit: James Brosher-USA TODAY Sports

Glenn Robinson III

Glenn Robinson III is a third year 6’7″ shooting guard who played one season with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was picked up on a three year contract with the Indiana Pacers in July 2015, and has been filling a reserve role with the team. He was acquired by the Sixers in March 2015 when he was waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Robinson showed little other than some bad habits he needs to break – he had an inclination to pull up for low-percentage midrange shots early in the shot clock and, in a brief period of time, never got acclimated to the Sixers’ offense. It was not surprising then that the Sixers declined to make a qualifying offer, ensuring his free agency status. His status drew interest from several teams, with Indiana winning the sweepstakes.

With the evolution of the team this season, focusing on post or treys, it would certainly change the dynamics to have someone who pulls up at the 12-20 foot range. His age was certainly not a factor, but with a team harnessing so many youth, and Robinson eager to get playing time, there was a log jam on paper that would not have boded well for the young man. Confidence was never a question. He was happy to tell you so:

"“I learned a lot in regards to how tough and how strong I am. I try not to pay attention to that (leaving college early) and still keep pushing. I still believe that one day I’m going to be one of the best players in this league. I have no doubt about that.” – Glenn Robinson III"

That confidence, from a player who averaged 15 minutes for the Sixers and scored just 4.4 points per game, tempted him to test free agency waters, and this was probably the only viable path for everyone. His age and upside were promising, and some felt as though he should have been retained. But the Sixers do not like one year contracts, and the Pacers saw enough value in Robinson to tender a three year deal.

Next: Thomas Robinson

Nov 29, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons guard

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

(5) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Thomas Robinson (41) during second half at Barclays Center. The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Detroit Pistons 87-83. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Robinson

Thomas Robinson is a 6’10” reserve power forward for the Brooklyn Nets, his fifth team in four years. Backing up another former Sixer, Thadeus Young, he is comfortable in the role and had been close to signing with the Nets when the Sixers claimed him off waivers. The swift claim of Robinson had some scratching their heads, but the plan was simply a salary play. Prior claiming Robinson, the 76ers were $3,023,771 below the salary floor. Any team failing to spend the minimum must just pay its players the shortfall. So the Sixers were on the hook for the money. But the 76ers general manager found a loophole. Robinson’s $3,678,360 salary lifted the Sixers above the salary floor. However, because the Trail Blazers and Nuggets (but mostly the Trail Blazers) have already paid most of Robinson’s salary this season, Philadelphia was required to pay Robinson just the remaining $1,103,508 he’s owed. So, instead of paying their players $3,023,771 for failing to meet the salary floor, the 76ers will pay Robinson just $1,103,508. It’s a savings of $1,920,263.

Robinson was picked fifth by the Kings in the 2012 draft, and the Sixers love to take a look at a former first round prospect who has fallen out of favor. But he didn’t show enough and he went on to sign with the Nets:

"” Because they showed interest from Day One,” Robinson said. “Even at the draft, they showed heavy interest, and then the pick got swapped out. Over the years, I’ve just liked it was a new organization, and they were building something, and it’s New York. … I wanted to be here in New York. I’m glad I’m here a few years down the road, after the stuff I’ve been through. I’m more mature now than I was when I probably wanted to come here. [I want to] take advantage of all of my opportunities. I feel like I’m right back where I was getting drafted again … now it’s just time.” – Thomas Robinson"

The Sixers had a glut of big bodies, and with Nerlens Noel and rehabbing Joel Embiid, declined to pursue Robinson further.

Next: Henry Sims

Sep 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Henry Sims poses for a portrait during media day at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Henry Sims

Henry Sims is a 6’10” center who played three years in the NBA, the final one plus years as with the Philadelphia 76ers. He did not receiver a qualifying offer, and became an unrestricted free agent this summer. He was signed by the Phoenix Suns on September 16, 2015, and played in all six preseason games. The opportunity to play for the Phoenix Suns seemed to energize Sims:

"“This is an opportunity for me to show what I can do for a team that can make the playoffs. I want to show the NBA I can do what I was doing there [in Philadelphia] on any team and do more. It gives me an extra boost of energy to be here for a potential playoff team.” – Henry Sims"

However, he did not catch the eye of the coaching staff and was subsequently waived on October 25, 2015. His age and talents are not without merit, and he will likely get picked up by a team seeking to add depth at the center position as the season matures. While some viewed Sims time with the Sixers as a possible stepping stone to a longer term contract with the team or another NBA team, that has not happened yet.

Next: Ish Smith

Dec 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith (4) drives the ball as Houston Rockets guard

Ty Lawson

(3) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Ish Smith

Ish Smith is a 6’0″ point guard for the New Orleans Pelicans.  While he played a productive role with the Philadelphia 76ers on the court in the 2014-2015 season, his 12.2 points per game in a limited role worked against the team retaining him.

The problem with Ish Smith, and the same problem that you’ll find with Thomas Robinson and others, is that he was due to become a free agent that can command some non-league minimum sum of money. Smith’s final two months of the season, where he averaged 12 points and six assists per game in only 27 minutes, surely raised some eyebrows, enough so that he should receive significant free agent interest. The Sixers have more cap room than the oceans have water. But the Sixers are not in the business of overpaying people for marginal improvement on a non-contender that does not “move the needle.”

ALSO ON SIXER SENSE: To Fix Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Should Focus On Draft Expansion

Ish Smith could make a difference for the Philadelphia 76ers early in the 2015-2016 season, but he’s best suited to play as a reserve point guard. With the Pelicans, he gets the chance to come off the bench in relief of former Sixer Jrue Holiday.  He is putting up a good number of assists (6.6 per game) and limiting his turnovers (1.8 per game) while maintaining some offense (9.9 points per game.

But Smith is in his sixth NBA season.  His production right now is likely at or nearly at his NBA career ceiling.   The Sixers are swinging for the fences.  Had the team assembled a core group of high scoring stars already, Ish would fit in nicely.  But for this time at this time, his role is better suited for a team with productive veterans looking for a breather.

Next: Hinkie Still Has It

Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie (L) listens as owner Joshua Harris (M) introduces Jerry Colangelo (R) as special advisor before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Hinkie Still Has It

The Philadelphia 76ers are not sitting on a team with high production. Some players show flashes of what may come, and that has been promising. But so many are critical of Sam Hinkie because the rebuild of the team is now in it’s third season. To build a team that will compete for championships over many years, the team had to be bulldozed, flattened, taken down to the rubble and rebuilt from the foundation.

Those blocks of the foundation are being laid today by both Sam Hinkie and Brett Brown.

But to close our eyes and simply turn over blind faith to a man whose plan will have no way to score until the 2016-2017 NBA season at its earliest, we can’t simply accept that as the measure of the man.  We need to see how keen his eye for talent is now. Not only in who he signs, but in who he allows to leave.

The 2015-2016 Philadelphia 76ers team is as bad a basketball team as I care to witness.  Despite the promise of tomorrow, that fact is today, and it’s on Sam Hinkie.  But when you review the players he did not retain, there is no salvation amidst the group.  Some are suited off the bench of good teams, some have done their time and want to enjoy life, and others simply have more dreams than chances.

ALSO ON SIXER SENSE: Philadelphia 76ers Top 20 Performances Of All Time

But Sam Hinkie has not let the team down so far.  His moves, while filled with random chance, have been sound logic and have not contributed to the demise of the team.

So steady as she goes Philadelphia.  The best is yet to come.