The Sixer Sense
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2017 NBA Draft Kings Rudy Gay Injury Insures Sixers Success

By Bret Stuter

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; General view during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; General view during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA: New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers
NBA: New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers /

Can’t Lose For Winning

Thanks to some shrewd negotiations, the Philadelphia 76ers can enjoy the best of both worlds for the foreseeable future.  The team is learning how to win now, and with the imminent arrival of Ben Simmons, the team is looking at success well into the future.

But for now, the team will not feel the sting of improving too rapidly  when the 2017 NBA Draft rolls into town.  The team will still be in the lottery select group.  The team has rights to the Los Angeles Lakers first round pick (top-three protected) and the rights to swap draft places with the Sacramento Kings.

Related Story: MUST READ: Sacramento Swap Still Shining

Right now, both assets are incredibly valuable as the 76ers develop, improve, and win.

It’s based on that foresight of the previous front office that continues to place the Philadelphia 76ers in the discussions for the top talent of the 2017 NBA Draft. And right now, that 2017 NBA Draft could hold the last pieces needed to build a championship team.

We at The Sixer Sense, and the entire fanbase of the Philadelphia 76ers have Rudy Gay in our thoughts and prayers, wishing him the best of care, a speedy and full recovery, and a long prosperous NBA career.

Next: Have Philadelphia 76ers Decided Nerlens Noel is Their Guy?

But the fortunes of the Philadelphia 76ers are inversely tied to the success of the Sacramento Kings right now. Nothing personal, but it would be a huge significance to the 76ers to make the playoffs this year, and still land a top-three pick due to the swap with the Kings. And then, top it off with the fourth or fifth pick via the Los Angeles Lakers.