Lakers NBA Draft pick key to Philadelphia 76ers 2018-2019 season

With recent disappointments on the basketball court, an easy way to placate Philadelphia 76ers fans is simply looking forward to the 2018 NBA Draft, the key held by the Los Angeles Lakers

The Philadelphia 76ers have fallen somewhat in optimism and prestige. After a two-game losing streak to the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers at home, the team is now 14-13.  While that pushes playoff hopes into a concerned realm, the team has improved the position in the 2018 NBA Draft in two ways.

The penalty for losing NBA games is a better selection in the upcoming NBA Draft. While that salve relieved the pain in previous seasons, I no longer hold hope for similar effect this year. And so, jumping from a mid-20 to a high teen pick in the 2018 NBA Draft likely does not thrill you.  Nor should it if you hold hopes for the Philadelphia 76ers to earn a playoff spot this year.

Restocking the roster

But there is more to meet the eye than simply the playoffs.  NBA rosters require constant vigilance.  And a savvy person handling the purse strings. As NBA teams get hot, players want to be paid handsomely.  To do so, savings must happen elsewhere.  Some teams simply pay the stars and load up the balance of the roster with inexpensive role players.

But the current CBA allows for teams to get built in discounts from players arriving via the NBA Draft. Right now, the Philadelphia 76ers must leverage future drafted players to balance out the roster’s salary demands.   The 76ers are a fortunate team, as they have a solid NBA draft presence in 2018.