The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers NBA draft strategy dilemma

By Bret Stuter

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 15: Markelle Fultz signs autographs at Champs Sports prior to the draft lottery on May 15, 2017 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 Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 15: Markelle Fultz signs autographs at Champs Sports prior to the draft lottery on May 15, 2017 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 Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MAY 15: Markelle Fultz signs autographs at Champs Sports prior to the draft lottery on May 15, 2017 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 Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 15: Markelle Fultz signs autographs at Champs Sports prior to the draft lottery on May 15, 2017 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 Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2018 NBA Draft six-pack picks

The only enigma yet to sort out is that 2018 NBA Draft situation for the Sixers. There is a solid crop of young men, each of whom are eager to realize their NBA dream. And the Philadelphia 76ers hold the fate of 10 percent of that draft in their control. It’s exciting. It’s delicious. It boggles the imagination. But holy cow, what the heck can this organization do with six more rookies?

The challenge for each and every NBA team drafting prospects is finding not only the right athletic talent, but the right fit for the team. As teams improve, their “needs” narrow, complicating the process even further. Teams at the post-season tier often draft a player within their physical statistical tolerances, and then coach the player into their intended role. Right now, these Philadelphia 76ers are transitioning to a team drafting day one starters, into a team drafting for future starters. In the 2018 NBA Draft, this team has six such prospects to mold into their future roles.

How active will 76ers be in free agency?

If it were only six, that might be workable. But with the delaying impact of two injured first year players, that number jumps to eight. Roll in three draft-and-stash players in the Euroleague, the number is up to 11.  11 new or nearly-new-to-the-NBA players is a number that is simply too large fo this team to absorb at once.

Free agency is an expensive option. Like grocery shopping at the corner market.  There are no true bargains, only convenvience.  So let’s start off by expecting this team follows suit in waving good-bye to expiring contract vets, warmly welcoming three new overseas additions to the team, and perhaps re-signing J.J. Redick (or free agent equivalent) to another contract, where does that leave the team? But free agency delivers veterans. And we know Bryan Colangelo favors maturity on his team. So that is always a first stop in any Colangelo roster move projections.