How You Doin’?
The Philadelphia 76ers are not the only team trying to rebuild. And so, there have been plenty of comparative analyses over the years. Let’s check in on a few:
First up is an analysis by CBS Sports Matt Moore, who looked into the NBA rebuild of the Orlando Magic, the Boston Celtics, and the Philadlephia 76ers back in August 2015. He does a very nice job of honestly assessing the Philadelphia 76ers
"I’ve written at nauseum about the Sixers before, but here is the core of what’s important for this discussion: The Sixers aren’t continually terrible on purpose; they’re obnoxiously patient because they are determined, come hell or high water, to start the rebuild off right."
Celtic Cross
He then examines the rebuild of the Boston Celtics. Once more he is honest, painfully so to Celtics fans, as he looks at the treasure chest of picks the team had, and the results of what the team ended up with.
"Ainge has a roster full of movable contracts for good-but-tradeable players, and six future first-round picks. Boston made the playoffs last year and ended on an absolute tear. The future should be blisteringly bright. Here’s the problem, in two parts. First, riddle me this: Who is the Celtics’ best player? Who are the Celtics’ best three players? Isaiah Thomas? Marcus Smart? Avery Bradley? Amir Johnson? Jae Crowder? Evan Turner? I have spent an unhealthy amount of time trying to answer those questions this summer. You can’t really move forward with a rebuild without that guy."
In the end, the Celtics appear to have won the battle, but are losing the war.