76ers Brown Pulls Plug On Power Forwarding Jahlil Okafor

7 of 7

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

Speculate

Of course, any “unnamed NBA executive” can say anything, since they won’t be tasked with defending their statements. It’s simplistic to draw a permanent to their entire career conclusion on what amounts to 50% of their first and only NBA season together. Simplistic and naive. Patience is a virtue, but have the Sixers run out of theirs? In bringing on Mike D’Antoni, Brett Brown now has a second set of eyes. Is D’Antoni seeing what Brown is seeing? And despite how they feel, will the voice of Colangelo boom to force the Sixers into playing one or the other but not both?

“They (Noel and Okafor) just can’t play together” – unnamed NBA executive

Speculation is logical now. On a team with multiple “new” variables, it’s not out of the question to ask if any of the players on the roster would end up in a trade. Painful as it sounds and feels, if the team wants to formulate a particular game style to succeed, they must learn now that everyone who plays well will fit that scheme. If not, trading now could net a premium from a team near playoff standing but wanting to get over the hump. Of course, the who to trade with and who to trade for is equally part of the question. Trades must be self serving. Right now, the Sixers are awash with future draft picks and young players. With some pieces falling into place, they may be ready to jump to the next level by offering a package for the services of Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George. George would be an incredible addition to a team which could boast Noel, Embiid, George, Saric, and Simmons as a starting five.

ALSO ON SIXER SENSE: 2016 is a Pivotal Year for the Philadelphia 76ers

Perhaps another player might make sense. If the Sixers determine the future is closer than we think, now is the time to brace ourselves. This team is still evolving. But the unknown is all too familiar to president and general manager Sam Hinkie.

Perhaps he’s the best suited for the months ahead. He seems to have a knack of turning 50/50 odds into a certainty.