Why did Philadelphia 76ers trade up for Anzejs Pasecniks?

Reason V:  Insurance policy

While some think insurance policy only deals with the health of the player, this covers all aspects: health, trades, renewing contracts, etc.  The reality is that the team is built with layers.  While there is the belief that Ben Simmons will run the offense, the Philadelphia 76ers can run the offense through Simmons, T.J. McConnell, Jerryd Bayless, Markelle Fultz, Nik Stauskas, and possibly even Dario Saric.

That’s insurance.

Versatility means outflanking your opponent

That same flexibility gives the Philadelphia 76ers room to absorb injuries, stagger playing minutes, and rotate in bench players to any number of roles.  In short, few players on the team are limited to a single position.

Anzejs Pasecniks continues that tradition. While the 7-foot-2 is a clear center role, he could also play power forward as well.  Depending on who is on the court, that could be a huge advantage for these 76ers.

Next: Where does Nik Stauskas fit into the Sixers’ rotation?

Ultimately, the 2017-2018 season is the start of playing a cohesive roster, and rotating versatile lineups which possess the ability to score and defend.  Pasecniks won’t factor in this year, but he waits in the wings for his turn.  Getting to the playoffs is a huge plus this season. But once there, the team will need to improve to advance. To do that, reinforcements must come.  And that is likely why the Philadelphia 76ers traded up in the draft.