The Sixer Sense
Fansided

NBA Free Agency: Philadelphia 76ers from Toronto Raptors?

By Bret Stuter

Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers special advisor Jerry Colangelo (L) goes over first quarter stats with owner Joshua Harris (R) during a timeout against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. The Spurs won 119-68. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers special advisor Jerry Colangelo (L) goes over first quarter stats with owner Joshua Harris (R) during a timeout against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. The Spurs won 119-68. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) defends against San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) during the first quarter at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) defends against San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) during the first quarter at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Colangelo And JJ

James Johnson – Originally this forward came to the Raptors via Bryan Colangelo from the Chicago Bulls for a late first round pick from the Miami Heat.  Johnson, a 6’9″ 250 pound forward, was brought to the Toronto Raptors due to his versatility:

"“James Johnson is a strong, athletic and versatile small forward that we have had our eye on dating back to the 2009 NBA draft. He can play two, three, four, whatever you need him to play. He’s a versatile player. I think he’ll fit in well. You never know. It could work out great for him and be a great pick up for us. We hope so . . . ” – Bryan Colangelo announcing the trade"

Johnson never delivered the goods for a starter, and was subsequently dealt to the Sacramento Kings for a second round pick. He returned to the Raptors on a two-year $5 Million deal but his second run is no more successful than the first. He does not deliver much in terms of offense, averaging 6.5 points per game on just 18.3 minutes of play. But, he knows the two, three, and four roles and is deeply competitive.  Clearly, Bryan Colangelo thought enough of the young man to trade a first round pick for him at one time, and with his availability for a likely in expensive price, he could be brought in to bridge the wing roster while younger players develop.   His play would be well suited for a Sixers bench which could be loaded with defensive players like Nerlens Noel, Jerami Grant, and more

Luis Scola – 6′ 9″ 240 pound power forward Luis Scola has been a Raptor for just one season, but he’s certainly a seasoned veteran.  Completing his ninth NBA season, he’s played the longest for the Houston Rocket, the team which drafted him late in the second round in 2002. Initially he played internationally, but returned to the Rockets in time for the 2007-2008 season.  While his average of 12.3 PPG and 4.3 RPGs on an average of 26 minutes per game, he never delivered near his averages as a Raptor.  The Sixers have better options.

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