2016-2017 Philadelphia 76ers Superlatives
With the 2017 NBA Draft now over and free agency starting tomorrow, it feels like a good time to reflect on the Philadelphia 76ers‘ roster.
When I was a high school senior, my goal was to either get on homecoming court or win a superlative. Because my talents were knowing way too much about basketball and not smooth talking my way into a girl’s heart, I lost. But I still love superlatives, they are a fun thing and my love for them hasn’t faded with time. In fact, I won the Michael Scott Superlative at my fraternity’s formal in April, so all is not lost.
Philadelphia 76ers
When I won the award, I was happy and I want the Sixers to be happy because we have a promising future. Not many teams can brag about having three potential perennial all-stars while also having a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. With the Sixers roster about to change, it’s time to honor the past “greats” with some awards.
The “Jesus turned water into wine” award — Brett Brown
Brett Brown has made the Sixers “scraps” or “D-leaguers” into players with promise. He turned Robert Covington from a Houston castaway to a legit 3 and D wing. He turned T.J. McConnel from a future insurance agent to a great guard off the bench. He turned TLC from an extremely raw end of the bench player to a future 3 and D wing. Brett Brown has done a fantastic job developing young talent in Philadelphia. I’m very excited to see what he does with Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz this offseason. It only makes sense for Brett Brown to win this award.
Most changed since rookie year — Robert Covington
Speaking of Covington, he has changed the most out of any Sixer since arriving. After being let go by 3 and D worshiper, Daryl Morrey, Covington has become a deadly weapon for the 76ers. His shooting numbers may not show it, but Covington is a great shooter who will benefit from the return of Ben Simmons and the addition of Markelle Fultz. If you would have told me even before last season that Robert Covington could get 20 million a year, I would have called you crazy. Now, it’s likely going to happen.
Best Beard — Sergio Rodriguez
One of the few bad things about having a very young team is a lack of great beards. Sergio likely has the best beard on the team. If I didn’t know he was a basketball player, I would assume he would be an old fashion politician like a James Garfield, Chester A Arthur type. Maybe he is one? That would be a good explanation of how his veteran influence was able to teach T.J. “Toy Jesus” McConnell the art of passing so fast.