The Sixer Sense
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Which 2016 NBA Draft Picks Will Philadelphia 76ers Receive On Draft Day?

By Bret Stuter

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
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 /
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May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view chairs with a playoff logo before a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view chairs with a playoff logo before a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Option Two – Win Now.

This is a unique circumstance, and perhaps will never take place.  But, what if the Sixers are NOT enamoured with the top draft names or are simply impatient. Perhaps a team desperate to accelerate their own dive into the depths of rebuilding will offer a good package of future picks and current players. Perhaps the Brooklyn Nets would part with trey-shooting Shane Larkin and their own first pick if they want to move up to the Sixers spot. Would the Phoenix Suns package Brandon Knight and picks for the chance to land one of the top three in this years NBA draft?

Teams that don’t make the playoffs, who aren’t Sam Hinkie, feel the clock ticking and are compelled to take chances to get back to the playoffs quickly.  Patience is not really part of that equation.  So a non-playoff team with an aging roster is in a true pickle.  If they’ve had enough success in the season, they are on life support as far as NBA draft chances.  If they have a good player in the upper middle 20’s, that player will likely retire before he will see a good team built around him.

Trades make sense in that scenario.  Trades for later round picks if they have the patience of Sam Hinkie and the Philadelphia 76ers.  But without time on their side, many teams see the only option left as trading players and picks to move up for “that guy”.  If Ben Simmons is the next coming of Magic Johnson as some report, then why not trade the farm for the chance he truly IS that gifted.

But the Sixers are loaded with young talented players with upside.  Not that Ben Simmons is not a difference-maker, but with 80% of the Sixers at age 25 or younger, they have a surplus of young talent on this roster.  If another team wishes to trade premium value, particularly if they offer a player with immediate impact potential in a shallow position, the Sixers would be foolish not to listen.  A player like Paul George of the Indianapolis Colts is a perfect example of this type of player.  The Pacers on on the cusp of the NBA playoffs.   An ill timed losing streak can plummet them out of playoff contention.  With a roster whose median age is 26, the team is short of young prospects to take over when they begin to lose productivity through age.

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