The Sixer Sense
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Comparing Philadelphia 76ers’ Rebuild With Boston Celtics

Oct 16, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Drew Gordon (30) scores on a hook shot past Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Celtics defeated the Sixers 111 to 91. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Drew Gordon (30) scores on a hook shot past Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Celtics defeated the Sixers 111 to 91. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 18, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) holds the NBA Summer League championship trophy after helping Chicago defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 84-82 in overtime at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) holds the NBA Summer League championship trophy after helping Chicago defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 84-82 in overtime at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Compare the Eventual Results

The Celtics entered each offseason with a goal of trading for Kevin Love, DeMarcus Cousins, or any superstar that was rumored to be available in a trade.

The Boston Celtics never got close to attaining any of those players.   It’s the Celtics inability to trade for a star which served to dissuade the 76ers.  That became the fuel to power the Sixers’ team along the path of rebuilding through the draft.

The NBA draft is like the weather. You can only draft whatever the NCAA winds blow your way in any given draft year. That’s why teams seek alternatives.

But is there truly another way?  We’ve explored the paths of two teams, rivals in the NBA.  What have we learned?

Next: NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Noel Can Get To Cleveland Cavaliers

While the Celtics could still trade for Russell Westbrook in the future and their fans will be able to watch their team in playoff games, both teams have about an equal chance at becoming championship contenders in the future and their fans should be excited.