The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers asking NBA: How do you like us now?

Bret Stuter|
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers spins a basketball on his finger during media day on September 26, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers spins a basketball on his finger during media day on September 26, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: NBA Commissioner speaks as the draft board is seen displaying picks 1 through 30 after the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: NBA Commissioner speaks as the draft board is seen displaying picks 1 through 30 after the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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.