Why did Philadelphia 76ers trade up for Anzejs Pasecniks?
By Bret Stuter
Center of focus
That glorious, incredible NBA draft has gone from bitterly cruel to uncannily kind to the Philadelphia 76ers in recent years. You can thank former team president Sam Hinkie for getting the picks, or current team president Bryan Colangelo for making the picks. But in either case, the NBA draft is bolstering the Philadelphia 76ers into playoff contention.
But as we prepare for a new season, and perhaps a debut of the first of many post-season foraging for a championship, we have pause to circle back and answer that subtle question.
Why? Wrong question… For what purpose?
What were the Philadelphia 76ers doing trading-up in a deep draft to choose a draft-and-stash center in round one? Ah… but that is why I am here. I have plenty of time to dig, scratch, and share.
While the most obvious conclusion is to try to draw a cause-and-effect selection, that doesn’t hold water. Mainly because trading up suggests a need, and into the first round suggests a glaring and immediate fill. Neither is the case here. In fact, many believe the Philadelphia 76ers are set at center for the foreseeable future. So what is the reason for this move? Well, I have five good reasons for you. Let’s discuss each: