Philadelphia 76ers asking NBA: How do you like us now?
By Bret Stuter
2017 NBA Draft
While the team emerged limping from the season, the team did manage to land the 3, 36, 39, 46 and 50 picks in the 2017 NBA Draft. At three, the team was set to draft a solid basketball player.
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But the true fit for this team was at number one. There, Markelle Fultz stood as the perfect fit for the Philadelphia 76ers. Neither the Boston Celtics nor the Los Angeles Lakers had immediate room for Fultz.
Fultz fits
The Philadelphia 76ers traded up for the top draft pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, while carefully managing enough financial flexibility to retain next season players with expiring contracts. The team announced to the NBA the intentions to focus on high-paying short duration contracts.
While many presumed the Sixers stood little chance, the free agents came.
The Philadelphia 76ers focused on one year deals, and free agents came just the same.