1. Too big to fail
The one tenet of Sam Hinkie’s ‘Trust the Process’ philosophy that Colangelo and Brett Brown followedwhen they took over is, keep your options open for the future.
None of the three did any ridiculous signing of a mediocre player for a huge amount of money (which must be noted puts them in the distinct minority of NBA GMs) to a long-term contract.
As of now, it is estimated the 76ers will have about $40 million in cap space next year. That is enough to offer a max contract to a premier player, so the Sixers can go star-hunting again.
And there are also the raft of draft picks all three GMs have piled up. Of course, if Sacramento ends up with the No. 1 pick in 2019 it conveys to Philly and the Fultz trade looks much better.
But not counting on that miracle, the 76ers still have loads of extra picks for a long time. According to Real GM, thru 2023 the 76ers are owed at least one second-round pick in every draft, and we all know about the unprotected 2021 first rounder from Miami courtesy of the Zhaire Smith trade.
So Elton Brand has the ability to go after big free agents, has lots of extra draft picks to either use on draft night or package as part of deals, and he is surrounded by people with a lot of experience in the league.
He also has 17 years of experience as a player and one year as a G-League executive, so he has an idea what kind of player succeeds in the league. He also has enough cache from his playing days to stand firm on a decision if others in the ‘collaborative’ process disagrees.
Personally, he gets a long with people and is known as a stand-up guy so agents and other GMs should like dealing with him.
This is why Elton Brand will be a success a the 76ers general manager.