The numbers game: must Philadelphia 76ers prune young players?

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 24: General Manager Bryan Colangelo attends 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) /

Versatile staggered diverse roster

With so much versatility embedded in the team, there is no fear that a roster position will be understaffed. In fact, the positions stated above are not very accurate where the Philadelphia 76ers are concerned. But for discussion purposes, the serve their purpose of creating a visible roster to aid discussion.

So why must the team stagger the roster? Well, the NBA salary cap exists and is very real. So on the team depth chart, the objective is to pay the starters the most. Makes sense, right? The veteran tier represents players who can absorb quality playing time productively, and are off their rookie contract. These players are the toughest to find, as they all want top dollar. But a wiley front office can get value from veterans on a successful team.

Developing players = cheap farming

The third tier of developing players is the farming system on the roster. That is the position where the team cycles through promising young players into starters or veterans to fill vacancies in either tier. And it’s necessary to keep the tier stocked with players for two reasons. On one hand, the constant supply of new young players ensures the teams is making efforts to ensure quality players for the future. On the other hand, the NBA incentives teams to keep young players on the roster. It’s that inexpensive third of the roster which allows NBA teams to survive the constant downward pressure upon their payroll.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers, may we approach the bench?

The rules of the NBA are firm and unforgiving. Teams which rely too much on veterans find themselves cash strapped and unable to retain promising talent. Teams relying too much on young players simply cannot compete in the NBA. Now, the Philadelphia 76ers must recognize where they are in roster building and take the right steps to ensure a steady, diverse, and sustainable improvement going forward. Fail to do so, and the rewards are watch the NBA Championships while other teams compete.