Philadelphia 76ers Lottery Could Spell Huge Trades

Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jerry Colangelo during a press conference after being named special advisor for the Philadelphia 76ers before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jerry Colangelo during a press conference after being named special advisor for the Philadelphia 76ers before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (25) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) pose for a photo with President Of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (L) and owner Josh Harris (R) at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (25) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) pose for a photo with President Of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo (L) and owner Josh Harris (R) at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

That Groundhog Day prediction of Jerry Colangelo was not a prediction at all.  If reports are true, the ownership was already negotiating with Bryan Colangelo about taking over the reigns of the team.

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In the end, it was more akin to a proud pappa bragging up his boy.  (My son will have) “this team very competitive in three years.”  Now, Bryan Colangelo must live up to the promises of his father, Jerry Colangelo.

So what’s wrong with winning in the playoffs in three years?

Forcing Events Not Wise

Ultimately nothing, if it all works out. But forcing the issue is where mistakes happen. Multi-tasking reduces effectiveness, and if the team is so hell bent on making a deal, the risk of missing out on true NBA talent in the draft increases.

Deals under Bryan Colangelo feel “forced” so far. So under the pressure to win now, I’ve no doubt that the team has plenty of convertible assets in cap space, draft picks and talented players.  If the 76ers do not land a pick in the top three this year?

In conclusion, I expect trades. Trades for better picks or trades of picks for “play now” players.  Ping pong balls dictate a great deal of events in the NBA. This year, those ping pong balls may very well unleash the wheeling and dealing version of Bryan Colangelo upon the NBA.

Related Story: Sixers Are the Perfect Team to Trade With for Teams Looking to Start Rebuild

Despite the huge upside of talent in the 2017 NBA Draft, the timeline simply won’t suit Colangelo’s timetable.