Philadelphia 76ers Brain Trust
By Bret Stuter
Dealing With Direction, Deals, and Draft
But with the NBA trade deadline, it’s a good time to pick apart any Colangelo comments to see if he offers any clues as to what the Sixers might consider intiating. You see, there is a sense that the team could deal with hopes to bring in another impact player similar to the Ish Smith phenomenon. But there is a sense that those players may already be on this roster, and simply need the opportunity to practice and play together next season. Colangelo, if truth be known, seems to be me of that mindset.
What is the team’s top priority with the trade deadline? Is there a must do deal on the action items list?
Jerry Colangelo said the #Sixers aren't actively looking to make a deal at the trade deadline
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) February 2, 2016
Has the team reached a consensus about the direction of the center position?
#Sixers Colangelo: 'At some point, we have to make a decision (about big men).'
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) February 2, 2016
So is it safe to say that this team is “steady as she goes”?
#Suxers Colangelo not actively looking to make deal by Feb. 18 deadline but need to keep eyes, ears open. #NBA
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) February 2, 2016
Has Ish Smith made an impact on the Philadelphia 76ers? Is the team closer to the goal now?
Jerry Colangelo said that season can be viewed in two segments; pre Ish Smith, post Ish Smith. Believes he has made a big difference.
— brianseltzer (@brianseltzer) February 2, 2016
What are your thoughts on progress of this team? Your initial thoughts in December were that this team had a long ways to go.
Jerry Colangelo said practices, games show Sixers progress evident. "Heck of a lot" different place than 1 month ago pic.twitter.com/cvMGMPINeL
— brianseltzer (@brianseltzer) February 2, 2016
What is Jerry Colangelo’s initial thoughts of the upcoming 2016 NBA draft?
#Sixers Colangelo: 'This is a draft of smalls.'
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) February 2, 2016
And so, Jerry Colangelo spoke freely, but much like Sam Hinkie, kept his cards close to the vest. Colangelo’s perspective is not racing for the goal line by any means. While he certainly does not seem to have as much tolerance towards second round draft picks and player development as Hinkie has exhibited in the past, he is certainly very loyal to his players and treats them with a certain level of respect.
Despite the GM antics of sports writers and fans, a man who has seen NBA transactions succeed and fail for the past 35 years already has a great reservoir of experience to draw from and upon. It was from that ocean that he counseled the Sixers to deal two 2nd round picks for point guard Ish Smith. Without experience of getting the ball down the court and calling the plays, there is little value in evaulating any other players. Now, with some success, the minds of basketball analytics and the combination of Colangelo/Hinkie/Brown/D’Antoni can trouble shoot the roster effectively.
Next: Brown