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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Sixers should be active in free agency

The news of a scheduled meeting between Jimmy Butler and the Sixers is a solid sign.

The Sixers should look to be buyers this summer, while they still have a cap advantage over a majority of teams in the league. Whether it be acquiring players to build the team with, or simply using the space to take on an unattractive contract in addition to other assets, the Sixers should be listening. That cap space advantage will be largely neutralized when the salary cap jumps in 2016.

Along with the piles of picks, the main weapon that the Sixers have amassed throughout their recent rebuild is a copious amount of cap space. 

With Hinkie at the helm over the past couple years, the team has unloaded a number of chunky contracts - Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young - while not taking on anything significant back. In making these moves, Hinkie virtually cleared the books for the Sixers, providing them with ample space to sign free agents, both now and down the road, while not having any substantial financial ties moving forward. Theoretically, this ample amount of cap space should provide the Sixers with a tactical advantage over other teams with less space when it comes to acquiring free agents. With all the space amassed, the Sixers could potentially offer more money than other suitors, or sign a couple of high-priced talents simultaneously.

If the league's salary cap was going to remain consistent for the foreseeable future, that would be the case, as the Sixers would have financial flexibility that not many other teams would enjoy. However, with the incoming cap jump – the salary cap is supposed to jump to $108 million for the 2017-18 season – all teams will see their overall cap space balloon, as they will suddenly have increased space with which to operate, and to spend on players. The Sixers will eventually benefit from the salary jump, as will all teams, but in the meantime, it kind of nullifies the space the team has amassed in the present.

Jahlil Okafor off to a good start in Phlly

For a guy that was reportedly unhappy to be selected by the Sixers, Jahlil Okafor is off to a good start in the City of Brotherly Love.

via The Sixers
Okafor wasted little time in getting right to work after being selected third overall at last week's NBA Draft. He was officially introduced on Saturday, and was already in the gym putting in work early Monday morning.

"I come into the gym [Monday] morning at 6:30, and I see Jahlil in the gym sweating," Coach Brett Brown told the media on Monday.

"You come up to your office, and you have a new bounce to your step," he said of seeing a motivated Okafor wasting no time in getting to work.

Via Instagram
Okafor is employing the correct approach, as he has the opportunity to develop into something special in Philadelphia. Rather than ruminating on the rumors saying he is unhappy to be in Philly, he is putting his nose to the grindstone and preparing for his rookie season.

Okafor's approach will undoubtedly serve as a good example this summer for some of the other young guys, with less of a pedigree, aiming to suit up for the Sixers this season. Okafor is accustomed to on-court success, and he is carrying that mentality to his new team.

A few hours after putting in early gym work on Monday morning, Okafor was out in the streets of Philadelphia, exploring his new city and posing for selfies with eager young fans; there were a lot of them. Showing a sense of history, the former Duke Blue Devil was sporting a crisp, red Julius Erving throwback jersey from Philly's own Mitchell & Ness.

While the real test will come on court, Okafor is already off to a solid start in Philadelphia.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Jordan McRae could start for the Sixers this season

As the Sixers head into July’s Sumner Leagues, the team’s projected regular season roster remains filled with holes. The recently-passed draft may have actually provided more questions than answers regarding the rebuild.

The organization's selection of Jahlil Okafor with the third overall pick added to the team's overall talent pool and frontcourt depth, but it did not address its overall lack of reliable perimeter play. Okafor has monster potential, and was probably the right choice given the circumstances, as the team remains far from formed; he has a real chance to blossom into an All-Star in Philly. But, while the team has now established considerable depth among its big men, there remains a dearth of guard play.

Early projections would likely have the team’s best long-distance threat, Robert Covington and the ever-improving Nerlens Noel slotted as the starting forwards, while newcomer Okafor holds down the center spot. But what about the two guard spots?

Thursday, June 25, 2015

The Sixers draft Jahlil Okafor, add to their collection of big men

With the third overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Sixers selected Duke F/C Jahlil Okafor.

Okafor was widely considered to be the best player available at the time of the Sixers' selection, as D'Angelo Russell and Karl Anthony-Towns were already off of the board. Many viewed Okafor as the top draft prospect throughout the season, but concerns about defense caused his slight slip.

Still, in his single season at Duke, which culminated in a National Championship, Okafor posted impressive averages of 17.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, and was named the ACC Player of the Year. He is a legitimate low-post scoring threat, and was projected as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the Draft.

The Sixers now have three high-potential big men, but an obvious lack of high-caliber perimeter players. Sam Hinkie was quoted as saying that the team plans to keep Okafor, pairing him with Noel and Embiid. How exactly that will work out is yet to be seen, but legitimate star-caliber frontcourt depth is not a bad thing. If the team can't balance a rotation including all three players, one could eventually be used as a big trade chip.

A lot of questions remain, but the Sixers certainly increased their talent pool with the addition of Okafor.

76ers report: Draft eve edition

On the eve of the 2015 NBA Draft Michael Kaskey-Blomain and Jeff McMenamin discussed all things draft on the most recent episode of the 76ers report. Who will the Sixers select third overall? Will they move back into the first round? What about trades?

Listen to the new episode below, via blogtalkradio.


Check Out Basketball Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with State of Independence on BlogTalkRadio


























Listen to past episodes here



Sunday, June 21, 2015

Allen Iverson content in retirement

The back tab of the right Nike Air Penny V displays a simple message: 

'THE STORM IS OVER'

The epitaph is a nod to the fact that Penny's career has passed, hence the storm being over. The shoe released in 2012, well after Hardaway's retirement from the NBA, and served as an ode of sorts (It was clearly modeled after the Air Penny II - Penny's most popular model). 

Via sneakerbardetroit.com
The sentiment is nice, but realistically it probably would have been better-suited for Allen Iverson.

 Iverson blew through the NBA like an unprecedented, unrelenting tornado, felt by everyone across the league's landscape. And, like some squalls of such magnitude, the storm that was Allen Iverson –the dominant NBA player –ended rather abruptly. The league now lays in its wake; forever changed. Players look differently - tattoos and cornrows are now a common occurrence. They play differently - growing up LeBron James didn’t want to be Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson. He wanted to be Allen Iverson. They even act differently- long before Riley Curry was a controversial staple at post-game press conferences, Iverson would occasionally bring his kids up on stage with him. 

Friday, June 19, 2015

76ers unveil new uniforms

The Sixers unveiled new uniforms in front of an impressively large crowd at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday evening.

The uniforms themselves, a modern riff on a combination of a couple of the team's classic threads, are nice; crisp, clean, and cool. The inclusion of the stars down the side of the shorts is a nice touch, as is the return of 'PHILA' on the front.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Dwyane Wade to join LeBron James in Cleveland?

Dwyane Wade caused quite a stir by referring to his time with the Miami Heat in the past tense on national television after the NBA Finals. Wade officially opted out of his contract with the Heat on Monday, making his future in South Beach uncertain to say the least.




"When I was in Miami," Wade said, casually during that Finals broadcast, making it seem as though it was already out of Miami.

Now, it could be nothing, but the way it flowed out really just seemed too casual, and comfortable. It seemed as though it was reflective of his mindset; maybe he knows something that the public does not yet know.

Three former Sixers take home a title

The Sixers may be a few years away from truly competing to win an NBA championship, but a couple of recent former Sixers don't have to wait any longer.

Image from thatsenuff.com
Andre Iguodala, an All-Star with the Sixers in 2012, not only got himself a ring with the Warriors in Tuesday's series-clinching win over the Cavaliers, but his versatility, and somewhat-surprising offensive output also earned him a Finals MVP award as well. While LeBron James was obviously the series' best player, and probably the true deservee of the of the Finals MVP, Iguodala's crowning was fitting, as his selflessness help set the tone for the Warriors all season.  Plus this MVP trophy can serve as a form of vindication for when he was robbed of the dunk contest title in 2006.

Iguodala did a little bit of everything for the Warriors throughout the season, as the multi-faceted forward finally found a team, and a role, tailor-made for his abilities, and he took full advantage of it. After starting every game of his career, his acceptance of a reserve role was pivotal for the team's balance.

Philadelphia's second A.I. wasn't the only recent Sixer to spray some champagne in Cleveland however, as Philadelphia fan favorite (sarcasm) Maurice Speights was also a contributing member to the dominant Warriors team.

After he was shipped out of Philadelphia in exchange for some crackers and a Moses Malone rookie card*, many expected Speights to fade into NBA oblivion. Three years later however, the former Florida forward is still cashing NBA paychecks. He posted a career-high 10.4 points per game in 2014-15, while playing a vital role off of the bench for the Steve Kerr's Warriors throughout the season.

Justin Holiday, who suited up for the Sixers back in 2012-13, will also be receiving a ring next fall, making him the third former Sixer on the championship team.

While Iguodala's success in Golden State makes it easy for Sixers fans to wonder what if, it is probably better to focus on the future. If Sam Hinkie is able to construct the team that he aims to, the Sixers could be competing for a title of their own in the near future.

*These were not the actual terms of the deal.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

76ers Report: Carey Smith joins the show

There has been a lot of news in Sixersland over the past week. Carey Smith, editor-and-cheif of popular Sixers blog, Philadunkia.com joined Michael Kaskey-Blomain and Jeff McMenamin on the 76ers Report to discuss Joel Embiid's recent setback, the upcoming NBA Draft, and more.

Listen to the new episode below, via blogtalkradio

Check Out Basketball Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with State of Independence on BlogTalkRadio

Listen to past episodes of the podcast here

Joel Embiid remains a huge question mark for the Sixers

It was Saturday night at 10:09, and I was in the midst of throwing my arm out on the NFL quarterback challenge at the Dave and Buster's in Plymouth Meeting when a received text message caused my phone to vibrate in my shorts pocket. 

"Well man. Something ain't right about Embiid," the text read. 

What.. The.. 

A quick scroll-through of my Twitter timeline further clarified the text. 

Friday, June 12, 2015

D'Angelo Russell cancels workout with Sixers

According to Sixers beat writer Keith Pompey, Ohio State guard D'Angelo Russell has cancelled his visit and pre-draft workout with the Sixers scheduled for this weekend.

Russell, who is considered a top target for the Sixers, is potentially the draft's top guard. Many mock drafts, including NBADraft.net, see Russell being selected by the Sixers. As a guard with speed, quickness, and the ability to spread the floor with his shot, Russell seems as though he would be a great complement to a formidable frontcourt, like one composed of say Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel.


The reason for Russell's cancellation was not revealed, although there could be a couple explanations.

Image via bleacherreport.com
It is possible that the guard just needs to reschedule with the team, however with the draft now less than two weeks away, there is no an infinite amount of time for him to do so. Another possibility, one that is slightly more sinister for Sixers fans, is that maybe one of the teams in the top two selection spots (T-Wolves or Lakers) already told Russell that they were going to select him with their pick, thus making any further workouts moot. Or, maybe the opposite occurred, and the Wolves and Lakers are set on selecting big guys, thus leaving Russell to slip to the Sixers at three, as the team did get a look at him at May's NBA combine.

The Sixers will have other options if Russell is indeed off of the board however, including fellow guard Emanuel Mudiay, who the team is reportedly intrigued with.

With the draft rapidly approaching, a plethora of reports involving teams and prospects will continue to seep out, some accurate, some not so much. Slightly more information is needed before too much of a reaction is raised to Russell's cancelled workout with the Sixers. Nothing is set in stone until the evening of June 25, and if recent history is an indicator, the Sixers may be doing some move-making on that evening.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Sixers: The East's next dynasty?

Sam Hinkie has an end-game in all his move-making, and it's not for the Sixers to be marred in mediocrity, as they were for much of the previous decade before his arrival. 

Successful NBA teams are propelled by stars, and Hinkie has been adamant about his desire for the Sixers to land at least one central 'star' for the franchise's rebuilding process to be a success. He has made move after move in the vein, casting aside replaceable, albeit established players, in order for increased opportunities to land said star, through the draft. 

At this point of the 'plan', there are more question marks than answers, as two of the four lottery picks Hinkie has made since he took over the team have yet to play a single second for the Sixers, and a third, Michael Carter-Williams was traded. 

(Agree with it or not, the trading of Carter-Williams was an example of Hinkie trading what he viewed to be as an ultimately replaceable player, for another shot to land a star in the lottery, via the pick received by the Sixers for Mike). 

It remains too early to judge the rebuild. Just because questions remain unanswered at this point, it doesn't mean that the plan hasn't been, or won't be successful. In the pretty near future, whether that be in the upcoming season, or in the seasons after, the questions will be answered, and the answers have a chance to be very favorable for the Philadelphia faithful. 


Tuesday, June 9, 2015

76ers Report: Andy Jasner joins the show

Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain were joined by 76ers beat writer for the Philadelphia Metro, and son of the late, great Phil Jasner, Andy Jasner, to discuss the NBA Finals, the upcoming NBA Draft, and more.

Andy also shares some of his favorite Allen Iverson moments, as 'The Answer' turns 40.

Listen to the full episode below, via blogtalkradio.



Check Out Basketball Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with State of Independence on BlogTalkRadio

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Free agency options for the Sixers

Along with the piles of picks, one weapon that the Sixers have amassed throughout their recent rebuild is a copious amount of cap space. 

With Hinkie at the helm over the past couple years, the team has unloaded a number of chunky contracts - Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young - while not taking on anything significant back. In making these moves, Hinkie virtually cleared the books for the Sixers, providing them with ample space to sign free agents, both now and down the road, while not having any substantial financial ties moving forward. Theoretically, this ample amount of cap space should provide the Sixers with a tactical advantage over other teams with less space when it comes to acquiring free agents. With all the space amassed, the Sixers could potentially offer more money than other suitors, or sign a couple of high-priced talents simultaneously.

If the league's salary cap was going to remain consistent for the foreseeable future, that would be the case, as the Sixers would have financial flexibility that not many other teams would enjoy. However, with the incoming cap jump – the salary cap is supposed to jump to $108 million for the 2017-18 season – all teams will see their overall cap space balloon, as they will suddenly have increased space with which to operate, and to spend on players. The Sixers will eventually benefit from the salary jump, as will all teams, but in the meantime, it kind of nullifies the space the team has amassed in the present.

Options for the Sixers if D'Angelo Russell is off the board

If the Lakers end up selecting Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell with the second overall pick of the 2015 Draft, it would be disappointing for the Sixers organization, but it would not be the end of the world. 

Russell really seems as though he would be a perfect fit in Philly. His size, speed, and athleticism could plug in perfectly to the team's vacant point guard of the future position, and his ability to space the floor with his shot would make him an ideal complement to post players like Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel. Thus, the hype about Russell potentially landing in Philly is understandable, but if he did happen to be off of the board by the time the Sixers select third overall, the team would have other options. 

Image via nbadraft.space
Option 1: The most obvious option in this scenario would be to take the best available player. If Russell goes in the top two, that means that either KAT or Okafor will still be on the board. The Sixers could use their pick on whichever one remains, in turn completely stocking the front court. If this were to occur, the team would have a couple options: They could try to figure out a rotation where all three post players (Embiid, Noel, #3) co-exist and they try to develop one of the league's deepest front courts, or they could determine which of the players they see fitting with the franchise, and then flipping the other player for the best available offer. You'd have to imagine that Noel, Embiid, or KAT/Okafor would fetch pretty well on the open market.  If Russell is gone, that is an option they can consider. 

Option 2: The Sixers could also stick with the point guard position if Russell is gone, and select the draft's mystery man Emanuel Mudiay. Hinkie was reported the only GM that saw Mudiay play in person overseas last season, so he is certainly familiar with him. Mudiay' upside is high, although question marks remain. If the team really wants to land a potentially high-caliber point guard in this draft, Muiday could be their guy if Rusaell is gone. 

Option 3: The next option the team has is to get in touch with Phil Jackson and the Knicks, and see how much they would be willing to give up in order to move up a spot to the third overall selection spot. The Knicks were the only team that dropped in the draft lottery, and after finishing the season with the league's worst record, the fourth overall pick was a disappointment. They want another franchise cornerstone in this draft to pare with Carmelo, namely one of the top two big guys. The Knicks don't have many assets to give, but Sam could certainly see what they would be willing to give up in order to move up a spot and secure themselves a top three pick. The Sixers would then have the fourth pick, and whatever else they received from the Knicks, and they could do with it as they see fit. 

Option 4: The last, and likely least probable, option the team has if Russell is gone in the top two, is drafting for fit. With two lottery picks spent on two big men over the past two years, the team could decide that the front court is full and look past whichever big guy remained between KAT and Okafor, and instead select a perimeter player. Hezonja, Porzingis, Justice Winslow; all perimeter players that could potentially be nice fits with the Sixers, and next to Embiid/Noel. The team will certainly need to add consistent perimeter players at some point. At this early stage of the rebuild however, drafting for fit  isn't necessarily the best option, as selecting the best available is a more sound strategy. 

In all likelihood, the Lakers will select a big guy with the second overall pick in the draft, as the Lakers are an organization that has had great success building teams through big men (Wilt, KAJ, Shaq, Gasol). Plus, as long as Kobe is a Laker, he is going to have the ball in his hands a lot, which naturally pairs well with a complementary big man. With Julius Randle already in tow, it seems that the Lakers could really fortify their front court of the future with their second overall selection. If they did decide to go with Russell, it may throw a slight wrench in the Sixers' plans, but they would still have several other options.