The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Will The Philadelphia 76ers Be Shopping For A Point Guard Again?

By Bret Stuter

Jan 4, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) reacts with guard T.J. McConnell (12) after a score against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) reacts with guard T.J. McConnell (12) after a score against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie speaks to the media during a press conference to introduce Jerry Colangelo (not pictured) as special advisor 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; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie speaks to the media during a press conference to introduce Jerry Colangelo (not pictured) as special advisor before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Sam Why?

To date, much of what the Sixers have done has made perfect sense. I do understand the moves made in the past for most part. Much of the converting of good players into trade picks and other assets was based on the synchornization of the team. In plainer english, the team was not good enough for the few good players at that time, so Hinkie traded them to get picks which could link up at the same time. If the team is suddenly hot to trot to get a point guard upgrade, and casting into the mix several players who have been developing in the  system, that suggests urgency.  But urgency for what purpose?  Clearly an eight win team eliminated from post season is in no rush this season to turn the corner.   But at the trade deadline, urgency seemed to outweigh cautious progress.

But if the team is of the opinion that the time is now, then that adds even more confusion.  Why would the team make a significant proposal for a point guard now,  before the team understands what they have returning when Joel Embiid takes the basketball court.  Why include draft picks now before learning what  is the order of the 2016 NBA draft lottery outcome?  Why take a chance now, when a more methodical and steadfast approach could be much more effective?

And the final point, the king’s ransom for an Atlanta Hawks reserve point guard, seems awfully lucrative, and I’m not the only one with that opinion.

So for now until the end of the season, the team’s point guard situation is rather fluid. Will the team go back to the trading table to fill the role? Will the team draft a point guard to take over the team and risk a player who needs two years to fully take command of the position and the team? Will the team sign a free agent to fill the role? Will the team surprise everyone and simply re-sign Ish Smith to return next season?

Next: Jahlil Okafor To Power Forward Hurts Defense

If you like drama, then you’ve come to the right place.  No other team has more questions with so few wins in the NBA as the Philadelphia 76ers.  But if you like a predictable, steady as she goes type of scenario, you’ve come to the wrong place.  This is a team with many moves yet to make, and with a swirl of confusing and seemingly counter-productive moves in place.  Guessing what their moves will be is no easy task, and in a almost any option open to them future, is fraught with second-guessing.