Decision Time
I trust the Philadelphia 76ers to truly vet any player they intend on committing to sign on July 7th. I expect any player they do sign will have more incentive to sign for the Philadelphia 76ers other than just a “lucrative deal”.
But I also trust the Philadelphia 76ers to serve as a gate-keeping function for this roster. A young man can find the opportunity to return home to be a life-changing experience. Giving back to the community, committing to better opportunities to young men who seek the same chance he has, to realize the same dream that he shares.
But on the same note, it can rip a man back to his past, drowning in the old ways, a lifestyle he tried to escape. Obligations to family, old friends, and a thousand distractions …all can derail a man from a very demanding NBA career.
It’s up to Dion Waiters to be honest to his motivations. It’s up to the Philadelphia 76ers to be confident in his answers.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers Salary Cap 2016-2017
I don’t mind someone becoming wealthy playing for our team. But as Allen Iverson said “If you come to Philly, you better give it your all. If you don’t, you’ll hear about it from the fans.” That’s a legacy I am committed to. Any player coming to this team needs to as well.