NBA Rumors: Should Philadelphia 76ers Target Kristaps Porzingis?
By Bret Stuter
The Philadelphia 76ers let one get away when the team failed to select power forward Kristaps Porzingis in the 2015 NBA Draft. Could the latest NBA Rumors be Karma’s mulligan?
Philadelphia 76ers Bryan Colangelo admitted that the team is targeting the power forward position this year. The Philadelphia 76ers are also selecting Markelle Fultz with the first pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. But the 76ers have plenty of assets remaining for more deals.
Did the latest NBA Rumors mean another blockbuster deal just fell into their laps?
Sources: As teams become aware Phil Jackson isn't ruling out possibility of trading Kristaps Porzingis, frenzy of interest is growing today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2017
The Philadelphia 76ers still have their own first round pick in 2018, and either the Kings or their own pick in 2019. For that matter, they also have the first round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 as well. In short, the trade with the Boston Celtics for the top pick of the 2017 NBA Draft did not cripple the Philadelphia 76ers tradeable assets.
Do The Deal Bryan!
For what it’s worth, Bryan Colangelo earned the respect of Philadelphia when he out-shystered Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge. Walking away with the first pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, and retaining the rights to the top pick in both the 2018 and 2019 drafts is no small feat.
Now, he has an opportunity for an encore.
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Porzingis Phase-Out
Porzingis is the one-who-got-away from Hinkie. By all accounts, the power forward is another ideal fit for the team. He is a defender stretch four who experienced some friction with the team this year as president Phil Jackson attempts to build a winner. That friction may mean the Porzingis days at New York are now numbered.
Sources: Phil Jackson met with Lauri Markkanen in New York on Monday, a player whom he's considering at No. 8 should Knicks move Porzingis. https://t.co/44d8EqMoBm
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2017
But NBA Rumors aside. Can they? Could they? Dare they Should they?
Why timing is perfect
Porzingis is in the same chronological time track as Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz. He is a an NBA player with star potential. Add him to the mix and the Philadelphia 76ers are an incredibly talented roster who can WIN NOW.
Next: You’ve done good Bryan Colangelo
I don’t see how Colangelo can pass at this opportunity. I don’t see how anyone could want him to pass on this opportunity. The Philadelphia 76ers talked about metamorphosing into a dominant NBA team in 2018-2019. Add Porzingis, and the team truly looks and feels like one.
Dare to dream. We saw Markelle Fultz as a Philadelphia 76ers player long before it was a reality. Karma is in love with the Philadelphia 76ers right now. Trust her. Kristaps Porzingis is a huge asset as a Sixers. And she is trying to make up for her cruel past.