With Markelle Fultz now a foregone conclusion on draft night, the Philadelphia 76ers have bought themselves some much needed clarity moving forward.
The optics of clarity are odd. While many enjoy the randomness of draft night and the looming potential that’s always in place, continual asset accumulation can sometimes cloud the line between planning and chaos. Philadelphia 76ers fans, as much of any, have experienced this.
Philadelphia 76ers
While The Process was as brilliant as it was successful, certainty has never been in abundance Whether it’s with medical issues or with team plans, fans across the spectrum have often been kept guessing in regards to multiple issues over the years. Joel Embiid‘s health was a lingering question mark, while Ben Simmons‘ injury management last season left many disgruntled.
Where the team was going — and most importantly, how quickly they’d get there — was largely unknown. That was until the news broke Saturday evening.
Once the Sixers and Celtics agreed in principle to a deal that would ship the number one pick to Philadelphia, the sense of direction within this Sixers franchise became markedly greater. While some of the process-era haziness was beginning to creep away with the return of both Embiid and Simmons on tap next season, several questions remained due to Philadelphia’s prior placement in the draft.
Whether they’d make a long term play at versatility in the form of Josh Jackson or vie for immediate backcourt help in the form of Dennis Smith Jr. or Malik Monk was unknown. The front office appeared to be branching off in several directions internally, while the variety of options left multiple different avenues towards success — or inevitable disappointment — well within the realm of possibility.
None of those players, though, bring the talent Fultz does. Not only is the Washington freshman the most polished offensive threat in the draft, but he may boast the highest ceiling alongside that. He gives the Sixers somebody who can spearhead their perimeter play for the foreseeable future, all while giving them a combination of both innate gifts and clear-cut fit that wouldn’t manifest with the prospects available further back.
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Colangelo also has a more structured path towards managing the roster moving forward. Without the looming unknowns in drafting a player like Jackson or Smith, the Sixers can chase hard after free agents who fit their now-concrete mold. With multiple playmakers and a certifiably capable point guard, players like J.J. Redick become the favored target.
That also gives them a clearer financial picture. With Fultz on an affordable contract for the next four seasons, it allows them to plan for the impending free agencies of players like Embiid, Simmons and Dario Saric with a better understanding of how they’ll need to manage their money to be successful moving forward. That once again ties back to their free agency endeavors as well. They’re essentially limiting the scope of their free agency search.
The Sixers have already disregarded the potential Kyle Lowry pursuit this offseason, according to one report.
Next: Markelle Fultz has the ability to excel from day one
The Sixers have unequivocally established their vision as a team, as well as the manner in which they can approach success. A trio of generational talents is as rare as it is special, and the Sixers — thanks to the genius behind The Process — have now gained that clarity. For a team devoid on that very same luxury a couple years ago, this is a monumental step in the right direction.