Now All Philadelphia 76ers Fans Can Be Optimistic

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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Mar 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers special advisor Jerry Colangelo (M) sits courtside during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. The Washington Wizards won 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers special advisor Jerry Colangelo (M) sits courtside during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. The Washington Wizards won 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Available Salary Cap Space

The Philadelphia 76ers are not the only NBA team with a great deal of available cap space, but we have been the most consistent at it.  Part of that consistency has been the reluctance of the Sixers to pursue free agents to bolster the roster.

It’s not important now why that was, but going forward it’s quite clear that the Philadelphia 76ers will pursue and attempt to sign free agents.  While this will not be a strong supply of NBA free agents chasing nearly a record amount of free NBA dollars, the shopping list of the Philadelphia 76ers is not set on the NBA stars at this point.  Coming out of a ten win season, the team would be wise to offer high dollar short term contracts to free agents (ala the Sacramento Kings signing Rajon Rondo).

If the right player is available at the right price, of course the team should seek long term commitment from the player.  But the team, scheme, and dream are so fresh at the starting point that it will be hard to know with any certainty what the team will emphasize in two years.  If Joel Embiid is all that he was hoped to be?  If Dario Saric is a quality NBA starter?  If Jahlil Okafor is the second coming of Moses Malone?  The future of these 76ers are filled with more than their fair share of questions.

Next: ...Shall Set You Free