The Sixer Sense
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NBA Draft Strategy: Colangelo’s Choices In NBA Draft?

By Bret Stuter

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

In Part 3 of a 3 Part Series, We Examine The NBA Draft Choices of Bryan Colangelo

The Philadelphia 76ers are set up for the 2016 NBA draft. In a best case scenario, there is the chance that the team could land the first and fourth overall pick in this draft, in addition to the 24th and 26th picks.  In a worst case scenario, the team merely walks away with the fourth, the 24th, and the 26th pick. But even in the worst case, the team could refit the entire lineup, as they will also be getting the services of front court prospects center/power forward Joel Embiid and forward Dario Saric.

But the picks are simply that, potential for players from the NCAA or International basketball leagues.   The NBA draft is the embodiment of random chance, whose forces make or break NBA careers.   Well, the NBA draft and its NBA machinations – the NBA lottery.

It can be argued, rather successfully, that if the lottery had been the least bit favorable to Sam Hinkie in his three years with the Philadelphia 76ers, he would still be calling the shots for the team.  At virtually every turn, the lottery seemed to fall against the Sixers.  In a four season period, the Cleveland Cavaliers were mysteriously blessed with three of four potential first selections from the coveted NBA draft – odds that are almost impossible to fathom.  In fact, it was not until LeBron James returned to his former team, that the Cavaliers returned to the playoffs and fell out of the NBA Lottery.

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In stark contrast, the Philadelphia 76ers, despite multiple opportunities during Sam Hinkie’s tenure, could draft no better than third.   In most NBA drafts, there are typically one or two clear potential superstars.  It’s as though the NBA rigged the odds to ensure Hinkie would never be rewarded for his efforts with the Philadelphia 76ers.

But this is a new chapter, a chapter of Bryan Colangelo’s writing.  So far, the team has build up their front office and has begun the painstaking process of laying the foundation of their direction through a series of interviews.  In those interviews, the strategy was pretty much laid bare for all to see.  But in addition to the overall theme of this draft, there continues to be an echoing message that this team will be making significant strides to adding age to the roster.

But aging the roster requires either trading with other NBA teams or signing free agents.  We had looked at Colangelo’s track record in NBA trades in part 1 of a 3 part series.  We then scoured the historic records to determine Colangelo’s track record of NBA free agent signings in part 2 of a 3 part series.  In this narrative, we take a look at Colangelo’s track record of NBA drafts.  Thankfully, we have saved the best for last.  Let’s get to work here, as I think some of you may need a “pick me up”.

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