The Sixer Sense
Fansided

NBA Rumors Kawhi Leonard discord gives Philadelphia 76ers opportunity

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 111-103. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 111-103. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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It’s no secret that Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown is beloved by San Antonio Spurs players. So now that Spurs and Kawhi Leonard are reportedly strained, could this be an opportunity for the Sixers as trade deadline approaches?

Knowing when to hold em, and knowing when to cash ’em in, are the most instinctive talents an NBA personnel executive can possess. Windows of opportunity to upgrade a team do not come with road maps, neon signs, nor GPS tracking. When you are in the presence of a team-changing opportunity, the executive must know it then and there. And he must understand the value point.  Go up to that point in compensation, but do not go over. The Philadelphia 76ers now need such a man.

Right now, Philadelphia 76ers president Bryan Colangelo may be standing on several such opportunities. We already know that the trade deadline is approaching. And with it, two NBA Rumors involving the Philadelphia 76ers are heating up.  One involves the Charlotte Hornets and guard Kemba Walker. The other involves the Orlando Magic and power forward Aaron Gordon.

Unhealthy roster

The Philadelphia 76ers, when healthy, is a cleverly designed set of interchangeable lineups.  In short, each “star” on the team has sufficient backups to play most of or not much of the available minutes in any given game. And the remainder of the roster can change out to give more offense or defense, more height or more speed, as the game dictates.  But the news flash of the day? This team is not healthy.

The team has seen almost nothing from rookies Markelle Fultz nor Furkan Korkmaz so far, and Korkmaz is likely done for the season.   J.J. Redick is good when healthy, but he is now out for the second time this season.  Jerryd Bayless, a veteran who missed nearly all of last season, has missed eight games this year already. So the Philadelphia 76er are included in two NBA rumors so far to improve the team.

Now a third opportunity is emerging.