The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Position Analysis Under Brett Brown: Part II Power Forward Position

Bret Stuter|
January 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts to officials while watching game action against Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts to officials while watching game action against Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Power Forward Position

2013: Lavoy Allen / Spencer Hawes/ Thaddeus Young

The Philadelphia 76ers have intermixed players between the center position and power forward position, a trend that continues to this day.   In the 2013 season, the power forward position was filled by two players who had a background at both center and power forward positions:  Lavoy Allen and Spencer Hawes. The team also sat on another emerging NBA player who was too big for small forward and too small for power forward in Thaddeus Young. But the 2013 season projected this way: Spencer Hawes would start at center (while newly drafted Nerlens Noel rehabbed his knee), Lavoy Allen would start at power forward, and Thaddeus Young, after two seasons coming off the bench as the Sixers Sixth man to back up power forward, would revert to his natural position small forward.

But what actually happened?  Spencer Hawes went to center and was backed up there by Lavoy Allen.   Thaddeus Young started at power forward and Evan Turner came on to fill the small forward position.  Arnetter Moultrie, projected to help at the four, was injured and did not return to health until well into the season.  Thad was hopeful that he might be shifted to the small forward position, but his play at power forward dictated that he remain the starter.

Spencer Hawes had the misfortune of becoming an emerging NBA player on a bad NBA team.  He had the twelfth most accurate three point shot in the NBA while averaging 31.4 minutes per game.  But the team needed his play at center which moved Thaddeus Young back into the role he had hoped to get away from.  Young had the heart to play the position, but his size gave away inches and pounds to virtually each of his opponents.   Additionally, he too was an emerging player in the wrong roster role.  Since the Sixers wanted picks, Hawes was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for two second round picks and players Earl Clark and Henry Sims. Thaddeus Young was dealt as well.

And so, the rebuild moved onto and through the demolition phase.

Next: 2014: Mbah A Moute/ Aldemir