Drip Drop. Depleting Philadelphia 76ers assets at alarming rate.

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 24: Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, General Manager Bryan Colangelo and Ben Simmons attend a press conference after being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft on June 24, 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

War chest of draft picks

But the hopes of fans were simple – thin the herd, but do not deplete the team’s roster nor draft surplus. By the time Sam Hinkie departed, the Philadelphia 76ers had amassed quite the collection of NBA Draft picks. They included:

2016 – Potential for four first round picks: The Philadelphia 76ers own first round pick, plus the right to swap that pick with the Sacramento Kings. The Los Angeles Lakers first round pick (1-3 protection). The Miami Heat first round pick (1-10 protection), and the Oklahoma City first round pick (1-15 protection).
PLUS –Three second round picks (Philadelphia, Denver, Golden State)

In 2016, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Ben SImmons (1st), Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (24th), and Furkan Korkmaz (26th). Not only did the team emerge with three standouts, but with a sense of renewed optimism.

2017 NBA Draft

2017 – Potential for two first round picks: The Philadelphia 76ers own their first round pick, plus the right to swap that pick with the Sacramento Kings. The Los Angeles Lakers first round pick (1-3 protection).

In 2017, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Markelle Fultz (1st), Anzejs Pasecniks (25th), Johan Bolden (36th), Jawun Evans (39th), Sterling Brown (46th), Mathias Lessort (50th).

The Philadelphia 76ers dealt both Jawun Evans and Sterling Brown for cash considerations.

At this point in time, the Philadelphia 76ers may have met their trio. In essence, a championship team needs three standout players. In the assemblage of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz, the Philadelphia 76ers search for three standout players may be over. But now is the trickier part. Growing a team around three players and exercising enough patience to allow the team to develop organically.