Philadelphia 76ers 2018 NBA Draft picture post NBA Trade deadline

By Bret Stuter | Feb 11, 2018

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: The lottery drawing begins inside the lottery room during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 30: James Harden /

Rockets second round pick

The Houston Rockets are playoff bound, and are arguably the second best team in the NBA, closely trailing the Golden State Warriors. Closely trailing but not quite over the hump of overtaking them. But man oh man, the Houston Rockets are writing the book on clever roster upgrading.

Rockets have added three scoring threats off the bench — Gerald Green, Brandan Wright and Joe Johnson — without making a trade this season. Amazing that Green (13.9 ppg for Houston) was unemployed for 2+ months of season. https://t.co/qLakPvtecQ
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 10, 2018

Subtle moves which may prove substantial

The team signed SG Gerald Green, who has added 13.9 points per game in 18 outings. Latest signing will be that of Sacramento Kings’ recent buyout SG Joe Johnson plus the signing of Memphis buyout PF Brandon Wright. At the moment, Green is clearly exceeding all projections. Now with Johnson and Wright, the Rockets will have a bench deep in player who can absorb minutes.

This is the front office which mentored former Philadelphia 76ers executive Sam Hinkie. While the Sixers are not yet at the Rockets level, I respect and admire the Rockets’ organization for the constant vigilance and effort to improve at each transaction. Right now, that Houston Rockets’ pick stands at 59. I don’t see these moves changing that at all, so it will stay 59. Neutral Philadelphia 76ers