The love affair with Philadelphia

[colincb]

How funny would it be if going into the lottery the Sixers didn't have the Lakers or Heat pick, but after the lottery they had both because some team that barely missed the playoffs moved into the top 3.

Unless I am missing something multiple teams would have to win a top 3 pick from behind the Lakers to push their pick from 4 to 6. Since it would have to be teams from behind Philly to make this happen this would also push their own pick down from number 3 to number 5.

I think Philly would rather have a top 1 or 2 and a chance to take Towns or Okafor to either trade or keep one of them than get the lower picks a year earlier.

Philly could get one of the first three slots.  A team beind Miami gets one and a team behind LA gets the other.  Philly ends up with a top 3 pick, 6, and 11.

They also could conceivably pick 6th and not have any other picks convey this year (3 teams including the Lakers move into the top 3 after the lottery and Miami stays at 10.

A lot of people got excited about Philly getting that Laker's pick, but if they don't get it this year, the value of that pick should plummet (since t the Lakers will be adding back Kobe, Randle, a top 5 pick plus a potential quality free agent). Suddenly their pick is in the 12-18 range and Philly looks stupid for shipping out MCW.

Yeah a lot of things could happen.  I'm not so sure MCW isn't worth a pick in the 12-18 range.  He seems to be a guy in the Ricky Davis/Tyreke Evans mode.  Can put up good all around numbers, but just isn't efficient, is not a good defender, and isn't elite at anything.  Now maybe he develops a bit more especially now that he is on a better team (though while his shooting is a bit better and his scoring is about the same per minute, his rebounds and assists are both done a lot).  It also should be noted that his rookie year he was actually better than he has been at either stop in his second year.  MCW may just be one of those talented guys whose team is better when he leaves.  Philly may come out smelling like roses by getting the Lakers 1st, even if it is late lottery type pick next year, as it may just be one of those addition by subtraction type situations.  Again too early to call, but should be interesting to watch.

MCW is 7th in steals and 9th in Defensive Real +/- among PGs behind Payton and Rondo and ahead of Corey Joseph and Smart. Offense is MCW's issue like Rondo, in a very off year, and, to a lesser extent Payton.  None of them can shoot, but all have reputaions as superior defenders. MCW might evelop offensively, but i'm skeptical. Poor shooter uscan develop into tolerable shooter like Rondo did but that's about it and MCW isn't the ballhandler/playmaker that Rondo is.

Tyreke Evans is now 30th in the whole NBA in overall Real +/- which is a huge improvement over last year.  He's always been know as a primarily high usage offensive  player.

I think ESPN's new Real +/- probably suffers from some of the same issues as earlier versions of +/-, but the guys who developed it are supposedly are as good as you can get for advanced stats as opposed to a guy like Hollinger and PER. Smart incidentally is 69th overall and 3rd among rookies.  KO is 35th overall, which should make anyone think twice about buying into this stat, though he's better than the most C-Bloggers think when he's healthy. Lastly, IT is one of the worst (463rd) as far as Defensive Real +/- is concerned. Fortunately, he's 13th overall in offensive real +/-. which is what we really need him for. Not a 2-way star, but a great fit.

~~~

I suspect that if the Lakers keep the 2015 pick they'll miss the playoffs in the West and pick in the 10-15 range next year in a supposedly weaker draft. Their cupboard is bare outdside of Clarkson and Kobe at the end of his contract. (BTW, not only do the Lakers likely give up their 2016 1st, but the Lakers then will have to fork over their 2018 pick.  The Lakers need to rebuild through FA and they are not the free agent magnet people think they are).

[colincb]

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I posted somewhere on here fairly recently that I expect Philly to target and go after both Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler this summer.  Both are restricted so I don't know if they end up with either, but even if they get just one I think they make the playoffs next year as I too think they add Russell or Mudiay to their big guys (which is why I think Leonard and Butler will be the target).  Add the legit wing and that team will be a young team on the rise.

I don't see either of those guys agreeing to go to Philly, especially since they will have their pick of max offer sheets to sign.

I think it's a long shot a top restricted free agent would sign an offer in Boston, it's closer to an impossibility that one of those guys signs with Philly.

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I could see them target Mudiay, because he's more explosive and could have the higher ceiling, but I think they go with one of those two or Winslow.

This, I really don't understand why one of these guys would consider Philly (and to a lesser extent Boston). In addition to both leaving perennially playoff contenders, it would require them ignoring all other good teams and all other more favorable cities to go play for a team with a bunch of rookies in a cold weather city. Do people seriously see that happening?

I could see Philly as a free agent destination.

Saw the stat earlier today that since the all-star break, they have put up 94.5 points per 100 possessions with Nerlens Noel on the court.  That would be the league's best defense.  Look at their entire season as a whole (and not just Noel's post-allstar surge or the minutes he's on the court) and they have had a top 11 defense this year.     Add Joel Embiid, who should be a formidable big man if he's healthy... and a star prospect through this draft...  That's a pretty desirable destination for a young free agent.  You know the rim is protected for the next 10+ years.  You know there will be plenty of offensive opportunities.   Joining a few budding young phenoms might be a good plan.

But sure, it might take another year for everyone to be sold on what Embiid and Mudiay/Russell will bring to the table.

I think they are a couple years away from even attempting to sign free agents.

Next year they will be relying on Emiid coming back from injury, Saric having a smooth transition to the NBA, their first round picks, Canaan and Noel. Pretty much everyone else is a borderline NBA player.

With how bad they have been recently (albeit by design) I don't think free agents will even take their calls until they prove that they are trying to win. To me the proof that they would be trying to improve is when the back half of their roster isn't comprised of d league call ups.

Maybe they will be able to attract free agents once people see that Embiid, can stay healthy, Saric's game translates to the NBA and the draft picks show they are legit, but if you were a free agent why would you gamble on all these things turning out positively when you can just sign with a team that is already good.

This + the fact that Saric is not expected next year.

Next year their core is the same as this year's + Embiid and draft picks. That is still a bottom 3 team in the East IMO.

I find Hinkie saying they do not plan any FA signings this summer really funny. That's a major hole in the masterplan - it is all based on having the best potential guys, but until those future stars actually start winning games, nobody would want to join that ship.

I thought Saric was coming over in time for next season. Where did you read that he isn't?

At the draft they said a couple of years, but I haven't seen an update since then, so I have no idea if anything has changed.

http://www.libertyballers.com/the-liberty-beat/2014/10/16/6987235/dario-sarics-tricky-contract-situation

[KeepRondo]

How funny would it be if going into the lottery the Sixers didn't have the Lakers or Heat pick, but after the lottery they had both because some team that barely missed the playoffs moved into the top 3.

Unless I am missing something multiple teams would have to win a top 3 pick from behind the Lakers to push their pick from 4 to 6. Since it would have to be teams from behind Philly to make this happen this would also push their own pick down from number 3 to number 5.

I think Philly would rather have a top 1 or 2 and a chance to take Towns or Okafor to either trade or keep one of them than get the lower picks a year earlier.

Philly could get one of the first three slots.  A team beind Miami gets one and a team behind LA gets the other.  Philly ends up with a top 3 pick, 6, and 11.

They also could conceivably pick 6th and not have any other picks convey this year (3 teams including the Lakers move into the top 3 after the lottery and Miami stays at 10.

A lot of people got excited about Philly getting that Laker's pick, but if they don't get it this year, the value of that pick should plummet (since t the Lakers will be adding back Kobe, Randle, a top 5 pick plus a potential quality free agent). Suddenly their pick is in the 12-18 range and Philly looks stupid for shipping out MCW.

Yeah a lot of things could happen.  I'm not so sure MCW isn't worth a pick in the 12-18 range.  He seems to be a guy in the Ricky Davis/Tyreke Evans mode.  Can put up good all around numbers, but just isn't efficient, is not a good defender, and isn't elite at anything.  Now maybe he develops a bit more especially now that he is on a better team (though while his shooting is a bit better and his scoring is about the same per minute, his rebounds and assists are both done a lot).  It also should be noted that his rookie year he was actually better than he has been at either stop in his second year.  MCW may just be one of those talented guys whose team is better when he leaves.  Philly may come out smelling like roses by getting the Lakers 1st, even if it is late lottery type pick next year, as it may just be one of those addition by subtraction type situations.  Again too early to call, but should be interesting to watch.

Yeah I didn't get the whole giving up on MCW so soon. If the Lakers end up getting the tenth pick next year or worse, then I have to say this trade was a fail.

[krumeto]

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I posted somewhere on here fairly recently that I expect Philly to target and go after both Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler this summer.  Both are restricted so I don't know if they end up with either, but even if they get just one I think they make the playoffs next year as I too think they add Russell or Mudiay to their big guys (which is why I think Leonard and Butler will be the target).  Add the legit wing and that team will be a young team on the rise.

I don't see either of those guys agreeing to go to Philly, especially since they will have their pick of max offer sheets to sign.

I think it's a long shot a top restricted free agent would sign an offer in Boston, it's closer to an impossibility that one of those guys signs with Philly.

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I could see them target Mudiay, because he's more explosive and could have the higher ceiling, but I think they go with one of those two or Winslow.

This, I really don't understand why one of these guys would consider Philly (and to a lesser extent Boston). In addition to both leaving perennially playoff contenders, it would require them ignoring all other good teams and all other more favorable cities to go play for a team with a bunch of rookies in a cold weather city. Do people seriously see that happening?

I could see Philly as a free agent destination.

Saw the stat earlier today that since the all-star break, they have put up 94.5 points per 100 possessions with Nerlens Noel on the court.  That would be the league's best defense.  Look at their entire season as a whole (and not just Noel's post-allstar surge or the minutes he's on the court) and they have had a top 11 defense this year.     Add Joel Embiid, who should be a formidable big man if he's healthy... and a star prospect through this draft...  That's a pretty desirable destination for a young free agent.  You know the rim is protected for the next 10+ years.  You know there will be plenty of offensive opportunities.   Joining a few budding young phenoms might be a good plan.

But sure, it might take another year for everyone to be sold on what Embiid and Mudiay/Russell will bring to the table.

I think they are a couple years away from even attempting to sign free agents.

Next year they will be relying on Emiid coming back from injury, Saric having a smooth transition to the NBA, their first round picks, Canaan and Noel. Pretty much everyone else is a borderline NBA player.

With how bad they have been recently (albeit by design) I don't think free agents will even take their calls until they prove that they are trying to win. To me the proof that they would be trying to improve is when the back half of their roster isn't comprised of d league call ups.

Maybe they will be able to attract free agents once people see that Embiid, can stay healthy, Saric's game translates to the NBA and the draft picks show they are legit, but if you were a free agent why would you gamble on all these things turning out positively when you can just sign with a team that is already good.

This + the fact that Saric is not expected next year.

Next year their core is the same as this year's + Embiid and draft picks. That is still a bottom 3 team in the East IMO.

I find Hinkie saying they do not plan any FA signings this summer really funny. That's a major hole in the masterplan - it is all based on having the best potential guys, but until those future stars actually start winning games, nobody would want to join that ship.

I thought Saric was coming over in time for next season. Where did you read that he isn't?

At the draft they said a couple of years, but I haven't seen an update since then, so I have no idea if anything has changed.

http://www.libertyballers.com/the-liberty-beat/2014/10/16/6987235/dario-sarics-tricky-contract-situation

That is the piece I read too and was convinced it is a long-term story and Hinkie wants it that way. Admittedly, I was not able to find newer updates.

[Csfan1984]

With the way NBA can be Philly may have bad or good luck missing out on so many picks (LAL, OKC and Mia) this draft. They have to develop guys and having so many rookies would be tough. Embid, Russell/Mudiay, and Noel can get more focus. They should try to package a few seconds for 1st if possible even if its a 2016 1st to limit rookie total.

[SHAQATTACK]

MCW...developing guys in a culture that uses a bad coach or hack for the dumbo GM .....bringing the best players in and screwing up their minds and attitudes.

This a great plan.  Taking the best picks and turning them into non pro .


If I was drafted under a system like 76ers GM......I d want out ASAP .    The whole system stinks .

[Csfan1984]

MCW...developing guys in a culture that uses a bad coach or hack for the dumbo GM .....bringing the best players in and screwing up their minds and attitudes.

This a great plan.  Taking the best picks and turning them into non pro .


If I was drafted under a system like 76ers GM......I d want out ASAP .    The whole system stinks .

Is this Nerlens Noel?

[indeedproceed]

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I posted somewhere on here fairly recently that I expect Philly to target and go after both Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler this summer.  Both are restricted so I don't know if they end up with either, but even if they get just one I think they make the playoffs next year as I too think they add Russell or Mudiay to their big guys (which is why I think Leonard and Butler will be the target).  Add the legit wing and that team will be a young team on the rise.

I don't see either of those guys agreeing to go to Philly, especially since they will have their pick of max offer sheets to sign.

I think it's a long shot a top restricted free agent would sign an offer in Boston, it's closer to an impossibility that one of those guys signs with Philly.

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I could see them target Mudiay, because he's more explosive and could have the higher ceiling, but I think they go with one of those two or Winslow.

This, I really don't understand why one of these guys would consider Philly (and to a lesser extent Boston). In addition to both leaving perennially playoff contenders, it would require them ignoring all other good teams and all other more favorable cities to go play for a team with a bunch of rookies in a cold weather city. Do people seriously see that happening?

I could see Philly as a free agent destination.

Saw the stat earlier today that since the all-star break, they have put up 94.5 points per 100 possessions with Nerlens Noel on the court.  That would be the league's best defense.  Look at their entire season as a whole (and not just Noel's post-allstar surge or the minutes he's on the court) and they have had a top 11 defense this year.     Add Joel Embiid, who should be a formidable big man if he's healthy... and a star prospect through this draft...  That's a pretty desirable destination for a young free agent.  You know the rim is protected for the next 10+ years.  You know there will be plenty of offensive opportunities.   Joining a few budding young phenoms might be a good plan.

But sure, it might take another year for everyone to be sold on what Embiid and Mudiay/Russell will bring to the table.

I think they are a couple years away from even attempting to sign free agents.

Next year they will be relying on Emiid coming back from injury, Saric having a smooth transition to the NBA, their first round picks, Canaan and Noel. Pretty much everyone else is a borderline NBA player.

With how bad they have been recently (albeit by design) I don't think free agents will even take their calls until they prove that they are trying to win. To me the proof that they would be trying to improve is when the back half of their roster isn't comprised of d league call ups.

Maybe they will be able to attract free agents once people see that Embiid, can stay healthy, Saric's game translates to the NBA and the draft picks show they are legit, but if you were a free agent why would you gamble on all these things turning out positively when you can just sign with a team that is already good.

This + the fact that Saric is not expected next year.

Next year their core is the same as this year's + Embiid and draft picks. That is still a bottom 3 team in the East IMO.

I find Hinkie saying they do not plan any FA signings this summer really funny. That's a major hole in the masterplan - it is all based on having the best potential guys, but until those future stars actually start winning games, nobody would want to join that ship.

I thought Saric was coming over in time for next season. Where did you read that he isn't?

At the draft they said a couple of years, but I haven't seen an update since then, so I have no idea if anything has changed.

http://www.libertyballers.com/the-liberty-beat/2014/10/16/6987235/dario-sarics-tricky-contract-situation

That is the piece I read too and was convinced it is a long-term story and Hinkie wants it that way. Admittedly, I was not able to find newer updates.

There are more recent news pieces stating that Saric is staying in Europe through 2015-2016.

Another thing to think about: Mirotic stayed in Europe until his rookie contract terms were expired, came over here signing a contract worth 3 or 4 times as much as he would make under the rookie scale (but still an immensely affordable contract for his production), and he got more seasoning and development in Europe than he would've likely seen on the then-contending Bulls squads.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Saric re-up in Europe to wait til his rookie scale contract goes away, then come over on a bigger 3-yr deal.

It'll probably be worth it.

http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/700-level/i-can%E2%80%99t-stop-watching-vine-vid-dario-saric-killin%E2%80%99-fools-lithuania

[Evantime34]

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I posted somewhere on here fairly recently that I expect Philly to target and go after both Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler this summer.  Both are restricted so I don't know if they end up with either, but even if they get just one I think they make the playoffs next year as I too think they add Russell or Mudiay to their big guys (which is why I think Leonard and Butler will be the target).  Add the legit wing and that team will be a young team on the rise.

I don't see either of those guys agreeing to go to Philly, especially since they will have their pick of max offer sheets to sign.

I think it's a long shot a top restricted free agent would sign an offer in Boston, it's closer to an impossibility that one of those guys signs with Philly.

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I could see them target Mudiay, because he's more explosive and could have the higher ceiling, but I think they go with one of those two or Winslow.

This, I really don't understand why one of these guys would consider Philly (and to a lesser extent Boston). In addition to both leaving perennially playoff contenders, it would require them ignoring all other good teams and all other more favorable cities to go play for a team with a bunch of rookies in a cold weather city. Do people seriously see that happening?

I could see Philly as a free agent destination.

Saw the stat earlier today that since the all-star break, they have put up 94.5 points per 100 possessions with Nerlens Noel on the court.  That would be the league's best defense.  Look at their entire season as a whole (and not just Noel's post-allstar surge or the minutes he's on the court) and they have had a top 11 defense this year.     Add Joel Embiid, who should be a formidable big man if he's healthy... and a star prospect through this draft...  That's a pretty desirable destination for a young free agent.  You know the rim is protected for the next 10+ years.  You know there will be plenty of offensive opportunities.   Joining a few budding young phenoms might be a good plan.

But sure, it might take another year for everyone to be sold on what Embiid and Mudiay/Russell will bring to the table.

I think they are a couple years away from even attempting to sign free agents.

Next year they will be relying on Emiid coming back from injury, Saric having a smooth transition to the NBA, their first round picks, Canaan and Noel. Pretty much everyone else is a borderline NBA player.

With how bad they have been recently (albeit by design) I don't think free agents will even take their calls until they prove that they are trying to win. To me the proof that they would be trying to improve is when the back half of their roster isn't comprised of d league call ups.

Maybe they will be able to attract free agents once people see that Embiid, can stay healthy, Saric's game translates to the NBA and the draft picks show they are legit, but if you were a free agent why would you gamble on all these things turning out positively when you can just sign with a team that is already good.

This + the fact that Saric is not expected next year.

Next year their core is the same as this year's + Embiid and draft picks. That is still a bottom 3 team in the East IMO.

I find Hinkie saying they do not plan any FA signings this summer really funny. That's a major hole in the masterplan - it is all based on having the best potential guys, but until those future stars actually start winning games, nobody would want to join that ship.

I thought Saric was coming over in time for next season. Where did you read that he isn't?

At the draft they said a couple of years, but I haven't seen an update since then, so I have no idea if anything has changed.

http://www.libertyballers.com/the-liberty-beat/2014/10/16/6987235/dario-sarics-tricky-contract-situation

That is the piece I read too and was convinced it is a long-term story and Hinkie wants it that way. Admittedly, I was not able to find newer updates.

There are more recent news pieces stating that Saric is staying in Europe through 2015-2016.

Another thing to think about: Mirotic stayed in Europe until his rookie contract terms were expired, came over here signing a contract worth 3 or 4 times as much as he would make under the rookie scale (but still an immensely affordable contract for his production), and he got more seasoning and development in Europe than he would've likely seen on the then-contending Bulls squads.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Saric re-up in Europe to wait til his rookie scale contract goes away, then come over on a bigger 3-yr deal.

It'll probably be worth it.

http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/700-level/i-can%E2%80%99t-stop-watching-vine-vid-dario-saric-killin%E2%80%99-fools-lithuania

I never agreed with Saric being a more valuable asset than Smart but with him potentially not coming over for another year, then there is no way he is more valuable.

[indeedproceed]

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I posted somewhere on here fairly recently that I expect Philly to target and go after both Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler this summer.  Both are restricted so I don't know if they end up with either, but even if they get just one I think they make the playoffs next year as I too think they add Russell or Mudiay to their big guys (which is why I think Leonard and Butler will be the target).  Add the legit wing and that team will be a young team on the rise.

I don't see either of those guys agreeing to go to Philly, especially since they will have their pick of max offer sheets to sign.

I think it's a long shot a top restricted free agent would sign an offer in Boston, it's closer to an impossibility that one of those guys signs with Philly.

Figure they'll target D'Angelo Russell in the draft?  Russell, Noel, Embiid will be an interesting team to watch next year.  Maybe they'll use some cap space to sign another impact player.  Eventually Saric will join the party... and then whoever they get with the Lakers 1st next year.   I could see them in the playoffs in 2 years... maybe as soon as next year given how bad the East is.

I could see them target Mudiay, because he's more explosive and could have the higher ceiling, but I think they go with one of those two or Winslow.

This, I really don't understand why one of these guys would consider Philly (and to a lesser extent Boston). In addition to both leaving perennially playoff contenders, it would require them ignoring all other good teams and all other more favorable cities to go play for a team with a bunch of rookies in a cold weather city. Do people seriously see that happening?

I could see Philly as a free agent destination.

Saw the stat earlier today that since the all-star break, they have put up 94.5 points per 100 possessions with Nerlens Noel on the court.  That would be the league's best defense.  Look at their entire season as a whole (and not just Noel's post-allstar surge or the minutes he's on the court) and they have had a top 11 defense this year.     Add Joel Embiid, who should be a formidable big man if he's healthy... and a star prospect through this draft...  That's a pretty desirable destination for a young free agent.  You know the rim is protected for the next 10+ years.  You know there will be plenty of offensive opportunities.   Joining a few budding young phenoms might be a good plan.

But sure, it might take another year for everyone to be sold on what Embiid and Mudiay/Russell will bring to the table.

I think they are a couple years away from even attempting to sign free agents.

Next year they will be relying on Emiid coming back from injury, Saric having a smooth transition to the NBA, their first round picks, Canaan and Noel. Pretty much everyone else is a borderline NBA player.

With how bad they have been recently (albeit by design) I don't think free agents will even take their calls until they prove that they are trying to win. To me the proof that they would be trying to improve is when the back half of their roster isn't comprised of d league call ups.

Maybe they will be able to attract free agents once people see that Embiid, can stay healthy, Saric's game translates to the NBA and the draft picks show they are legit, but if you were a free agent why would you gamble on all these things turning out positively when you can just sign with a team that is already good.

This + the fact that Saric is not expected next year.

Next year their core is the same as this year's + Embiid and draft picks. That is still a bottom 3 team in the East IMO.

I find Hinkie saying they do not plan any FA signings this summer really funny. That's a major hole in the masterplan - it is all based on having the best potential guys, but until those future stars actually start winning games, nobody would want to join that ship.

I thought Saric was coming over in time for next season. Where did you read that he isn't?

At the draft they said a couple of years, but I haven't seen an update since then, so I have no idea if anything has changed.

http://www.libertyballers.com/the-liberty-beat/2014/10/16/6987235/dario-sarics-tricky-contract-situation

That is the piece I read too and was convinced it is a long-term story and Hinkie wants it that way. Admittedly, I was not able to find newer updates.

There are more recent news pieces stating that Saric is staying in Europe through 2015-2016.

Another thing to think about: Mirotic stayed in Europe until his rookie contract terms were expired, came over here signing a contract worth 3 or 4 times as much as he would make under the rookie scale (but still an immensely affordable contract for his production), and he got more seasoning and development in Europe than he would've likely seen on the then-contending Bulls squads.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Saric re-up in Europe to wait til his rookie scale contract goes away, then come over on a bigger 3-yr deal.

It'll probably be worth it.

http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/700-level/i-can%E2%80%99t-stop-watching-vine-vid-dario-saric-killin%E2%80%99-fools-lithuania

I never agreed with Saric being a more valuable asset than Smart but with him potentially not coming over for another year, then there is no way he is more valuable.

I don't think it really tilts the scale in either direction, Saric staying over there another year. If he's here, he's wasting precious rookie scale years on a team that is not plausibly in the playoffs next year. If he comes over before his rookie scale is up, he'll be a hell of a bargain.

And even if he comes over after his rookie scale time is up, he'll still be an asset even if he's in Europe. The sixers don't have to pay him anything, they can trade him, or not, with zero cap consequences, and the "good" thing is that he really can't totally disappoint if he's still in Europe. He could "not live up to expectations", but really if he just keeps up his current level of play, he'll still be an asset with value that costs nearly nothing to retain.

[tazzmaniac]

How funny would it be if going into the lottery the Sixers didn't have the Lakers or Heat pick, but after the lottery they had both because some team that barely missed the playoffs moved into the top 3.

Unless I am missing something multiple teams would have to win a top 3 pick from behind the Lakers to push their pick from 4 to 6. Since it would have to be teams from behind Philly to make this happen this would also push their own pick down from number 3 to number 5.

I think Philly would rather have a top 1 or 2 and a chance to take Towns or Okafor to either trade or keep one of them than get the lower picks a year earlier.

Philly could get one of the first three slots.  A team beind Miami gets one and a team behind LA gets the other.  Philly ends up with a top 3 pick, 6, and 11.

They also could conceivably pick 6th and not have any other picks convey this year (3 teams including the Lakers move into the top 3 after the lottery and Miami stays at 10.

A lot of people got excited about Philly getting that Laker's pick, but if they don't get it this year, the value of that pick should plummet (since t the Lakers will be adding back Kobe, Randle, a top 5 pick plus a potential quality free agent). Suddenly their pick is in the 12-18 range and Philly looks stupid for shipping out MCW.

Yeah a lot of things could happen.  I'm not so sure MCW isn't worth a pick in the 12-18 range.  He seems to be a guy in the Ricky Davis/Tyreke Evans mode.  Can put up good all around numbers, but just isn't efficient, is not a good defender, and isn't elite at anything.  Now maybe he develops a bit more especially now that he is on a better team (though while his shooting is a bit better and his scoring is about the same per minute, his rebounds and assists are both done a lot).  It also should be noted that his rookie year he was actually better than he has been at either stop in his second year.  MCW may just be one of those talented guys whose team is better when he leaves.  Philly may come out smelling like roses by getting the Lakers 1st, even if it is late lottery type pick next year, as it may just be one of those addition by subtraction type situations.  Again too early to call, but should be interesting to watch.

Yeah I didn't get the whole giving up on MCW so soon. If the Lakers end up getting the tenth pick next year or worse, then I have to say this trade was a fail.

Why was it too soon to trade MCW?  Do you think he is going to develop into a star? 

[celticsclay]

MCW is still showing some promise (see his last game) but also has some really ugly ones (a few of the games before that). I think he has a chance to succeed with the Bucks playing with NBA level talent. Being on the 76ers roster makes it really hard to evaluate players, but particularly a point guard.

[KeepRondo]

How funny would it be if going into the lottery the Sixers didn't have the Lakers or Heat pick, but after the lottery they had both because some team that barely missed the playoffs moved into the top 3.

Unless I am missing something multiple teams would have to win a top 3 pick from behind the Lakers to push their pick from 4 to 6. Since it would have to be teams from behind Philly to make this happen this would also push their own pick down from number 3 to number 5.

I think Philly would rather have a top 1 or 2 and a chance to take Towns or Okafor to either trade or keep one of them than get the lower picks a year earlier.

Philly could get one of the first three slots.  A team beind Miami gets one and a team behind LA gets the other.  Philly ends up with a top 3 pick, 6, and 11.

They also could conceivably pick 6th and not have any other picks convey this year (3 teams including the Lakers move into the top 3 after the lottery and Miami stays at 10.

A lot of people got excited about Philly getting that Laker's pick, but if they don't get it this year, the value of that pick should plummet (since t the Lakers will be adding back Kobe, Randle, a top 5 pick plus a potential quality free agent). Suddenly their pick is in the 12-18 range and Philly looks stupid for shipping out MCW.

Yeah a lot of things could happen.  I'm not so sure MCW isn't worth a pick in the 12-18 range.  He seems to be a guy in the Ricky Davis/Tyreke Evans mode.  Can put up good all around numbers, but just isn't efficient, is not a good defender, and isn't elite at anything.  Now maybe he develops a bit more especially now that he is on a better team (though while his shooting is a bit better and his scoring is about the same per minute, his rebounds and assists are both done a lot).  It also should be noted that his rookie year he was actually better than he has been at either stop in his second year.  MCW may just be one of those talented guys whose team is better when he leaves.  Philly may come out smelling like roses by getting the Lakers 1st, even if it is late lottery type pick next year, as it may just be one of those addition by subtraction type situations.  Again too early to call, but should be interesting to watch.

Yeah I didn't get the whole giving up on MCW so soon. If the Lakers end up getting the tenth pick next year or worse, then I have to say this trade was a fail.

Why was it too soon to trade MCW?  Do you think he is going to develop into a star?

If he can become mentally tougher then he can.

[BudweiserCeltic]

WRONG THREAD

[RAAAAAAAANDY]

MCW...developing guys in a culture that uses a bad coach or hack for the dumbo GM .....bringing the best players in and screwing up their minds and attitudes.

This a great plan.  Taking the best picks and turning them into non pro .


If I was drafted under a system like 76ers GM......I d want out ASAP .    The whole system stinks .

One of the dumbest things I've ever read.

Brett Brown is an excellent coach who specializes in player development.