The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Need Cohesion, Not Seniority

By Bret Stuter

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn speaks 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; NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn speaks 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 special advisor Jerry Colangelo wearing his hall of fame ring sits in front of owner Joshua Harris during a press conference 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 special advisor Jerry Colangelo wearing his hall of fame ring sits in front of owner Joshua Harris during a press conference before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

History Repeats Itself

Bryan Colangelo has a real opportunity to make a significant impact here and now. With so many resources, the Philadelphia 76ers can emerge from the 2016 NBA draft as a team with plenty of assets – assets who can be aligned with the current roster needs and those who do not fit can be traded for parts which truly will fit the team’s scheme. Colangelo can create cohesion here, not maturity. Unfortunately, his objectives were established before a single interview of staff or players. He sees Toronto here in order to effect a Toronto fix here.

But the difference is real.  In Toronto, the team was a modest team on a run of bad luck.  In Philadelphia, the team is a young team in need of cohesion.  By the time Colangelo starts the wheeling and dealing, we’ll forget our fears and buy in once more to the excitement.  Who wouldn’t?  Colangelo is not about to chase NBA obscurities – he will chase the big name players with a hope that the fit will happen.

With some players it will, with some players it won’t.

But while Bryan Colangelo is chasing windmills, the Philadelphia 76ers will say goodbye to some very talented and determined young men.  If the roster makeover is similar to that of Toronto, we haven’t a prayer of generating any cohesion or chemistry.   And don’t believe it won’t happen, it must.

If there is a shred of semblance to this roster from the team Hinkie turned over, Colangelo will be haunted with the shadow that his success is due to Sam Hinkie.  He will never allow that to happen, and in this off-season, with so many expecting changes, is his window of opportunity.

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It’s not about building a championship now.  It’s about building Colangelo’s roster first.  Then, when the faces are unfamiliar and the salary cap is committed to NBA players, the focus will switch to building something better.  By that time, we will truly be another Toronto, chasing the dream of a championship with an empty wallet and exhausted draft picks.