The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers From Slow Cooker To Microwave

By Bret Stuter

Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown goes over a play with his team during the third quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Milwaukee Bucks won 109-108 in OT. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown goes over a play with his team during the third quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Milwaukee Bucks won 109-108 in OT. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (88) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) go after a loose ball during the fourth quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (88) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) go after a loose ball during the fourth quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

IV.  NBA Free Agency

The Philadelphia 76ers have not been active in the NBA free agency market for three years, a fact that some attribute to bad blood between agents and former 76ers GM Hinkie, but the reality is that the Sixers were simply not shoppers in the past. Instead, they used their salary cap space as a lure to attract draft picks away from other NBA teams.  But that salary cap space will find a different use this year – simply a fat wallet ready to buy up NBA talent.   But spending is not shopping wisely, and that is the key to this Sixers franchise.

We’ve had years to contemplate the shopping list for the team, and we think we’ve got some areas to consider unleashing the power of the dollar upon.  One such area is the need for wing defense, and to do so, the team needs to consider some established two-way players.   In our view, two such players worthy of consideration are Charlotte Hornet Nicolas Batum or Golden State Warrior Harrison Barnes.   We’re just getting started folks.

In an excellent piece by Michael Kaskey-Blomain, we’ve identified Batum, Barnes, as well as Jordan Clarkson, Bradley Beal, Arron Afflalo, and Courtney Lee.

Not to be outdone, another compelling article by Dalton Lanoza singled out Demar DeRozen, Mike Conley, Batum, Ryan Anderson, and Brandon Jennings as worthwhile free agent targets for the team this off-season.

Why so many?  The team is coming out of a ten win season, much of which is not for a lack of talent, but simply a lack of developed players.   Fast forward the current roster ahead by five years, and you’ve likely got a very competitive team.  But too many players fall under three years of NBA experience, and are not prepared for the fast moving game time situations non-stop action in an NBA game.  Seasoned veterans know what to expect, while less experienced players are guessing, improvising, and missing the moments that can change a game’s momentum.

Next: How will 2016 NBA Playoffs Impact the Sixers?

The team cannot improve the win column rapidly without infusing seasoned veterans into the current youth filled roster.   The only reason, true reason, for bringing in Bryan Colangelo is to speed up improving the win column.   The team was already set up to improve, even by Bryan Colangelo’s own admission.  The distinction is that Sam Hinkie, focusing on tomorrow, was content to let the team’s immediate future fall where it may.

But three years is long enough to wait it seems.   So the team is switching to the microwave to heat things up rapidly.

Bon Apetit’ !