The Sixer Sense
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Could Coaching Changes Shift Philadelphia 76ers Draft Strategy?

By Josh Wilson

Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown during a timeout against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown during a timeout against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76ers are making some changes with their coaching staff. Will it shift the draft strategy at all?

The Philadelphia 76ers have already had quite an eventful offseason. Since their 10 win season ended, the team won the NBA Draft Lottery, obtaining the first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and has been in several NBA trade rumors indicating that the team may shop Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel this summer.

Additionally, it has been reported that head coach Brett Brown is reviewing his coaching staff, deciding who is right to keep on the team moving forward. Deciding which coaches will further the development of these young players is a tough task, but Brown needs to solidify a solid coaching team as the Sixers look to move towards winning seasons.

His decision was made a bit easier — or perhaps harder — when associate head coach Mike D’Antoni took a job offer for the open head coaching position with the Houston Rockets. D’Antoni leaves an open seat next to Brown, and there is an indication that the Sixers would like to fill that seat.

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P.J. Carlesimo was rumored to be the leading candidate for that open position, but declined an offer from the Sixers due to wanting to spend time with his family.

Additionally, Will Weaver, who was an assistant coach and video coordinator, will not be returning to the team next season.

So, all positions seem to be pending review, or pending hire, and there’s room for a lot of changes next season.

With all of these possible coaching changes, one must wonder, will the draft strategy change at all? The Sixers need to devise a plan to have the best possible outcome on draft night.

Philadelphia has three first-round draft picks. The top overall pick, 24th overall, and 26th overall. The top overall pick is more obvious and deliberate, but the latter two picks can have some deviations of plan. Do the Sixers look for a gem late in the first round? Or do they trade one (or both) of the picks and attempt to move up in the draft order? Or do they even trade those picks for an established NBA player?

The possibilities are endless, and there are meetings happening for the Sixers at the moment that will dictate the draft strategy before the draft rolls around.

With new basketball minds potentially coming (or even leaving) to the team, they may be allowed to speak their mind at some of these meetings. Some of what these new coaches may say could ring a bell with Bryan Colangelo, and spark a new strategy in the front office that wasn’t previously being considered.

Some of these coaches could have spent time scouting different NBA players and different potential prospects, and they could have recommendations for the executive team that they have not heard before.

This is certainly not a bad thing. Although new minds coming in could adjust the course of the draft plan, and give it some variation, having people brainstorm on the strategy should not be seen as a negative thing.

Next: Could NBA Rumors Lead to Bidding Wars for Jahlil?

The new coaches very well may change some things in the front office. Let’s just hope it’s all for the better of the team.