With a new NBA season approaching, it is easy to focus on the immediate future. But let’s review why the Philadelphia 76ers traded up for Latvian center Anzejs Pasecniks
The Philadelphia 76ers have used the NBA draft to address the center position with a first round pick in the first three drafts of head coach Brett Brown’s tenure with the team. Starting with Nerlens Noel, then Joel Embiid, then Jahlil Okafor, the Philadelphia 76ers used the draft at the position most teams address as an afterthought.
Ah, but they were the players of most value when the Philadelphia 76ers were on the clock.
That 2017 NBA Draft revisited
So the 2017 NBA Draft was the apex of the long years of austerity. Already boasting top-draft pick rookie Ben Simmons debut this year, the team jumped to the top-draft spot to nab a consensus true fit for the Philadelphia 76ers complicated roster: versatile guard Markelle Fultz.
As the fans cheered and hoisted signs thanking former executives, the Philadelphia 76ers quietly slipped back to the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft to address a huge need for the team.
The team traded UP to draft to address a vital an critical position for the immediate future… another center.