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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Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie (L) listens as owner Joshua Harris (M) introduces Jerry Colangelo (R) 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 (L) listens as owner Joshua Harris (M) introduces Jerry Colangelo (R) as special advisor before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Trusting the New Process

Now that we have examined the historic track record for NBA trades in part one,  as well as  the free agent history in part two, we have a substantially positioned the tendencies of the new Philadelphia 76ers president.  He performs poorly in haste, and under pressure, both conditions are definitely entrenched with his new role with the Phildelphia 76ers.  But there is a glimmer of hope.

The Philadelphia 76ers are set up to maximize a patient strategic plan, which if Bryan Colangelo can resist diving in headfirst to “fix the roster” will give him plenty of leeway to improve this team.  Rather than try to repeat his instant success with the Raptors, and then spend the rest of his tenure trying to swing for the fences to do that initial year one better, he can lead a serious three year plan here by remaining within the strengths of the team right now:

(1) Focus On Draft – Despite the call to get the roster older, that is one of the worst objectives in modern day sports.  Age is no improvement, its just older and more expensive.  Since the team has up to four picks, and potentially two in the top five, the new executive should invest Day and Night exploring the draft scenarios, and matching up what will be there for the team with what will improve the team most dramatically.

(2) Key on Back Court In Free Agency – If the team needs to improve the roster with more seasoned veterans, then stick to the back court.  The team could be sitting on as many as two NBA superstars in the front court already, and the only way to determine that is to upgrade the perimeter defense and offense.  The team can mitigate overextending by focusing on shorter premium pay contracts to avoid the salary cap purgatory, the graveyard whereColangelo had buried the Raptors.

(3) If Sixers Must Trade, Be Wise and Disciplined – No NBA team will surrender quickly to the Philadelphia 76ers trade demands this off-season.  The desperation of the Sixers ownership is common knowledge now, and the only deals teams will willingly transact will likely be one-sided in their favor.  So we don’t do them.  Eventually, after the the teams assess their draft and off-season acquisitions, some playoff hopeful team will bend a little, if not outright break down.  The Sixers are overflowing with young quality depth players, and that could be useful for a team seeking to drive deep into post season.

Colangelo can master the NBA draft.   Colangelo is pretty average in NBA trades, but that percentage of success increases if he focuses on small gains, not home runs.  But in the realm of free agency, he needs help.  The value of salary dollars committed to players is not a strong suit, and must therefore come from others in the organization which only require his rubber stamp approval.  Thankfully, the Sixers have gobs of cash, a busload of youth, and a basket of draft picks this year.

Next: Sixers Trading For Lakers Picks Scenarios

The best strategy for Bryan Colangelo?  Patiently measured steps this year to focus on 2017 for the playoff designed team.  Swallow the pride of trying to show the NBA that he is better than Sam Hinkie.  Work with the strengths of the team now for the betterment going forward.  If he does, he can pull off something his father never did.  He can contribute to an NBA championship.