The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Fans Ask: How Much Longer?

By Bret Stuter

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Griffin-door!

The Los Angeles Clippers ended the 2008-2009 season with just 19 wins, but beat the odds to secure the first pick of the 2009 draft, selecting forward Blake Griffin. Unfortunately, Griffin was injured in pre-season and missed the entire 2009-2010 season.

Despite not having Griffin, the team did manage to improve to 29 wins, powered by a solid starting lineup.  Griffin did arrive in 2010, and led the team is scoring and in rebounds from the power forward position.  Meanwhile, a 2008 second round selection by the name of DeAndre Jordan emerged as a solid contributor at the center position, and was paired with Griffin in the 2010 season.   The Clippers improved to 32 wins that year, but needed some back court help.

The found that help in a 2011 trade with the then league owned New Orleans Hornets, trading Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, and an unprotected first round pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves for Chris Paul and two future second round picks.

With George completing the triad, the Clippers catapulted into the playoff picture for the 2011-2012 season, and have remained there ever since.  The team was fortunate in finding Jordan in the second round of the 2008 NBA draft, and equally fortunate that the trade for Chris Paul has delivered an impact player as it has.

It’s the Clippers formula of running the offense from the power forward and point guard roles, and using the center to command the defensive side of the court, which has kept the 76ers interested in the development of Nerlens Noel.  If the 76ers could find an offensive threat at the power forward role, Noel would emerge in a similar trajectory for the 76ers – a low to mid teens scorer who anchors a solid defense.

The Clippers reached post season play in Griffin’s third year, but just second year of NBA play.  Much like the combination hoped for in Philadelphia, the Clippers had key pieces ready to join Griffin and accelerate the build.

Next: Rose Garden