The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Markelle Fultz Fits Philadelphia 76ers

By Bret Stuter

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) is greeted by center Joel Embiid (L) during a press conference 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 (R) is greeted by center Joel Embiid (L) during a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. 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 (R) is greeted by center Joel Embiid (L) during a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Sequencing Enigma

On one hand, we have been talking for years about the elements of a true championship team. It began over a year ago when Basketball Analytics was applied to the fundamental question: On the other hand, what does a championship basketball team need?

More from 76ers Draft

In summary, the answer is three elite players.  But beyond that, three elite players in the same point of their careers.  And that’s so very difficult to master. Many NBA basketball teams find one player whose performance makes an impact on the win total. Bounce low enough in the NBA standings long enough, and the draft will eventually deliver a promising prospect.  But that player helps the team win. That winning pulls the team out of the draft spots where more elite players can be found.

Salary Cap Nightmare

Now the team must trade or sign a free agent. And that engages the NBA salary cap rules. In short, each team must manage a salary budget.  In short, the NBA team with hopes for a championship must anticipate great play and pay for it before it happens to a minimum of three players on their roster.

Once a player produces, every other NBA team will wave fistfuls of dollars their way.  Dollars and championships, in that order, are the only way to attract elite players.  But team without titles must then guess which player combination will get them there, and pay accordingly.