It Would Be, Just Like Starting Over
But drafting for a starter on a stretch for a particular player or even just to fill a need would created problems for the team. Prospects need minutes to learn, improve, and build their skills. But this team has endured those growing/groaning pains for the past three years. For right now, where this team is, with a clear starter and a young rookie prospect on the roster with proven upside, would it be progress to step back and redirect precious game minutes to a newcomer who needs to learn the team, his coach, and his role? Right now this pair of point guards on the roster is clicking well, very well. If the team wants legitimate play and production, they have Ish Smith. If the team wants to focus on the future, they have a surprising talent of T.J. McConnell
.@iPass4Zona and @ishsmith are 2/5 players in @NBA w/ 230+ assists & < 100 turnovers. @Jarrettjack03, @mconley11 & @rickyrubio9 are others.
— Sixers Stats (@SixersStats) February 1, 2016
For the team to use a draft pick on a potential replacement for either spot, he had better be an outstanding talent with ceiling somewhere is outer space. Right now, I don’t know if that makes sense for the team. Perhaps if the team has the opportunity to emerge from the NBA draft with Ben Simmons and converts him to the point guard role, it could make some sense down the road. How often can a team have an opportunity to hit on a point guard with a frame of Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson?
ALSO ON SIXER SENSE: Why The Philadelphia 76ers Shouldn’t Trade The Lakers Pick
Dreams and aspirations. That’s what an NBA draft brings to a team hopeful for a turnaround. A turnaround like the one Ish Smith has brought to his Philadelphia 76ers. Ish Smith might not be the most accurate shooter on the team, but Ish Smith can dish the ball around. For Brett Brown and Mike D’Antoni, that makes him the best point guard for the team right now. And right now, the Sixers are turning the corner.