The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Must Choose Roster Carefully

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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Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with guard T.J. McConnell (12) during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. The Clippers won 98-92 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with guard T.J. McConnell (12) during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. The Clippers won 98-92 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Build Me Up Buttercup

But when the team begins the true build, the off-season before the 2016-2017 NBA season, the team will have every opportunity to build through multiple picks in the 2016 NBA draft, through trades, and even through free agency.  The team will have a tremendous amount of assets to use in the rebuilding process: extensive free money to use on free agency, numerous developing players and picks to use as trade currency, and even the draft picks being used to select NCAA top prospects in the NBA draft.

So many chances to get it right.  But just as many chances to get it wrong.  For a team that has fought hard, worked long hours in the gym to build their skill-sets and improve overall, the current season is both a lesson in humility and a bond that is being forged.  These players are becoming close through adversity.  In fact, adversity builds relationships that can be stronger than even family ties.  This team, while still growing together, is drawing close.

But when the off season begins,  some of those relationships will be strained, and even severed.  Some teammates will remain with the team, while others could be traded to another NBA team.  Some players may not even make the roster next season, whether due to expiration of their existing contract, or waived to make room for the busload of new faces on their way to the team.  Each new face, each new player, will force the relationship process back to square one, only to start all over with the new team roster.

During the spurt of mini success by the Sixers, Jahilil Okafor gave some thoughts about the team which he observed by sitting on the bench for the final five minutes:

"It was definitely a great team effort,” Okafor said. “After the road trip, we really tried to encourage each other to come back on this home stand and get some games won. So we’re 1-0 right now, and we’re all pretty confident. We’re just going to keep trying to get better, but it was a great team effort for sure.” – Jahlil Okafor"

Jahlil Okafor is the team’s leading scorer.  Would a Kobe Bryant be as humble and team promoting, or even a LeBron James?  I don’t expect the results  of the interview would be nearly as gracious.

If the team overcompensates a newcomer to the team, ill will can form from the players who have fought over the years to improve the team.  If the team parts ways with a popular teammate, his replacement could suffer a cool reception.  But if the team accidentally brings in a player who is too brash, too cocky, egotistical or selfish, that would be a bad experience for everyone concerned.
It’s tougher to avoid than it sounds.   Should the team pursue a free agent who has had plenty of post season experience, can they refrain from citing that post season experience to teammates who have yet to even compete for a playoff opportunity?   If the team struggles with a losing streak, can a player who has only known NBA or college experience remain upbeat, and be a positive motivator to himself and his teammates?

It’s just not that easy to do.  Just review the experiences of rookie Jahlil Okafor this season.  His rookie struggles were neither unique nor unexpected.  But the response of the team to his rookie decisions may have given the team the last piece to truly build a winner.

Next: The Colangelo Standard