The Draft
Thinking at the time: The Sixers came away with Matisse Thybulle and Marial Shayok, both good choices, particularly considering where they were selected.
Thybulle might be the best defensive player in the entire draft. To snag him at No. 20 was a fine choice. Shayok was named the G-League Offensive Player of the Year after being taken 54th by the 76ers. A nice return on a low second round pick.
But even positive news came with some screwing up by the Sixers front office.
Blunders: Somehow, the Celtics got wind of the Sixers’ interest in Thybulle. Boston picked four spots ahead of the Sixers and GM Danny Ainge was able to extort a high second round pick (34th) as the price for having them get Thybulle for the Sixers.
The Sixers proceeded to sell or trade all their remaining second round draft picks except for 54. While the owners’ pockets were enriched, none of the moves gained anything for the team on the court.
Brand defended the second round giveaway afterward by saying young players in most circumstances do not help you win immediately.
(Note: The Celtics list seven rookies on their roster to three for the Sixers).