The Sixer Sense
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Five Reasons Philadelphia 76ers Trade Celtics At NBA Trade Deadline

By Bret Stuter

Dec 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (right) talks with center Jahlil Okafor against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (right) talks with center Jahlil Okafor against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) forces a turn over on Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) forces a turn over on Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason IV: Toronto and Cleveland Made Moves

As stated earlier, both the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers made moves to improve their respective teams. Boston has not, yet.

Don’t confuse the rhetoric of Boston in hot pursuit of the Chicago Bulls Jimmy Butler fool you. Danny Ainge, much like former 76ers executive Sam Hinkie, only lets the word out when he wants it public.  The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics deal at last year’s trade deadline fell through when Jerry Colangelo vetoed the matter.  Elder Colangelo did not want the team roster “fixed” before his son could arrive and fix it.

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Hoops Habit

  • NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of Illinois of last decade Busting Brackets
  • Atlanta Hawks waive Jahlil Okafor after lacklustre preseason Soaring Down South
  • Which Atlanta Hawks fringe player shone in the pre-season opener? Soaring Down South
  • Atlanta Hawks: How Jahlil Okafor can assert himself at training camp Soaring Down South
  • Atlanta Hawks: Storylines not to be missed in training camp - center edition Soaring Down South

    • So much for rebalancing the 76ers roster.

    Penalty Box Expired

    But it’s been a year, and the leaked details of the trade have done their damage.  Bryan Colangelo appears inept, and Ainge appears to be the wise sage GM who wanted to make a deal but was shunted at the last minute by the coup in Philly.

    Ainge wants a 76ers center.  The 76ers have three, and whether its offense or defense, the 76ers can fill the order with a young high ceiling player.  But which one?

    Jahlil Okafor is offense, and his physical presence in the paint is completely undervalued in the public forum. He can dominate today’s NBA game as much as Moses Malone dominated in yesterday’s version of the game.  Yes, Jahlil Okafor needs some work to develop defensive strategies, but in Boston he gets that focus. Would he be enough of a presence in the paint to make an impact?

    Okafor Is More

    Yes. The Celtics already have Al Horford to carry to load in this year’s post-season.  Okafor would run in with the bench rotations.  But Jahlil Okafor would bring plenty of offense, and he is still capable of rebounding and blocking.  In fact, his 1.08 blocks and 4.8 rebounds in 23 minutes are actually at or better than Horfords 1.53 blocks and 6.6 rebounds in 33 minutes.

    Horford scores 14.6 points in 33 minutes. Okaofr scores 11.4 in 23 minutes.

    Upgrade.

    But what of Nerlens Noel? Noel is in his final season under his current contract.