The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Meet Prospects At 2017 NBA Combine

Mar 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts to the defense against the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Detroit Pistons won 136-106. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts to the defense against the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Detroit Pistons won 136-106. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 7
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Several No-Shows

Unfortunately, many of the top talent of the NBA are expected to pass on the event. Names so far include Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Lonzo Ball, Jonathan Isaac, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk and Lauri Markkanen.

And so, the event continues in the tradition of having far less impact on the upcoming NBA Draft.  But why would players miss the opportunity for networking?

More from The Sixer Sense

Economies Of Scale

Simply stated? They are already rest assured of getting an audience with NBA Teams.  In the NFL, 32 teams are trying to process large numbers of players rapidly and objectively. Each team begins the offseason with up to 90 players on a practice roster.  Doing the math, that is 2800 roster slots at stake.

In the NBA, there is a maximum of 600 roster slots.   It’s simply the number game. Not all NBA teams have been as open as the Philadelphia 76ers to opening roster spots to young players.