The Sixer Sense
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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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May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) kisses his daughter, Diar, after the Raptors 89-84 win over Indiana Pacers in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) kisses his daughter, Diar, after the Raptors 89-84 win over Indiana Pacers in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

A Colangelo’s Chance In Philly

But while the Philadelphia 76ers are not in the market of marquis, they just might be a dark horse for the north star DeRozan.  He’s remained a strong supporter of Colangelo, endorsing his candidacy for the New Jersey Nets general manager position and was quick to congratulate Bryan Colangelo’s arrival to the Philadelphia 76ers.

He didn’t stop there. He went on to say this after a game with the Sixers:

"“He really believed in me, had faith in me early on, For somebody to have that type of confidence in me that I didn’t know until I got here, it was definitely an honor. He was a great dude, a stand up dude. He is one of those guys you meet him the first time, it’s going to leave that lasting impression on you. He’s a genuine person outside of basketball, just him as a person, as a man. He was a stand-up person that was a human being that treated everybody the same. He put me in a position to help change my life, my family’s life. For somebody to do that to me, give me that type of opportunity, it means the world.” – DeMar DeRozan"

Bryan Colangelo would love nothing more than to attract a gem to solidify this team, and place a huge “Colangelo stamp” on the Sixers in the process. DeRozan is finishing his sixth year, plenty of time to play with the Philadelphia 76ers while the team is assembled. Clearly, the presence of two possible top five picks in this draft is not escaping his notice. DeRozan is also a shooting guard, one of the positions the Sixers have struggled to address with any success. DeRozan at the two gives the Sixers roster an entirely new perspective.  Paired with Okafor, Embiid, Saric, and conceivably Simmons, the team would not only score heavy on offense, but the team’s bench would be one of the most impressive in the NBA.

Next: Sam Hinkie and The Process Received Three Executive of the Year Votes

It may be a long shot, but that is why the Sixers hired Bryan Colangelo.  DeMar DeRozan plays hard, and is an excellent fit for the Sixers moving forward.  There is no doubt the Sixers can pay, there is no doubt that Bryan Colangelo WILL pay, the only variable will be to encourage DeMar DeRozan to consider the Philadelphia 76ers.   I think it could work if he gives Philly a chance.