Jazzfan1971 and FloppyMoose's Offseason Preview - 76ers

[jazzfan1971]

Hey. I'm Wes. I'm just some guy who is an NBA fan with a keyboard and an opinion. I'm no expert on the NBA. Not by a long shot. So, if you are reading this realize I'm not a journalist. I'm not even up to the level of a Bleacher Report contributor. I'm just a guy. A guy like most of you. A guy with biases, preconceived notions, and limited time and energy. Also probably like most of you. I hope to write an preview of the NBA that is enjoyable to read more than one that is heavy on facts, research, and analysis. That's the hope anyway.
Last year was my first year doing this project and it was hit and miss. I got a few things right, but, I wiffed badly on others. (apologies to Tim Duncan and the Spurs) I expect this year will be a repeat performance with some hits and some bad misses as well.

That's how I roll.

#30 - 76ers
Projected Roster
-------------------------------
PG - Micheal Carter Williams, Tony Wroten, Casper Ware
SG - KJ McDaniels, Jordan McRae
SF - Hollis Thompson, Jason Richardson, Jerami Grant
PF - Thad Young, Arnette Moultrie, Jarvis Varnado
C - Nerlens Noel, Henry Sims

Trading Block: Jason Richardson has no business being on this young team. Thad Young could be shipped out as well if the 76ers can find something worth while in return. (Edit: Rumor is that Thad is part of the Kevin Love deal and will be shipped out)

Position battles: SG with McDaniels, McRae, and Richardson fighting it out. My money is on KJ McDaniels and his athleticism earning the position.

Mystery man: Nerlens Noel. I'm not sure if he is a PF or C in the league. I don't know how his body will hold up to either role. But, with Sims being the only other player on the roster with center size I figure that Noel will be playing center this season. I think this year for the 76ers is going to be all about seeing what they have in Noel and how to best use him.

Floppymusings: I'm a big fan of Noel. Like, really big. I project him as an above average center right out of the gate as a rookie. Despite that, I can't seem to get the Sixers past 14 wins. This may be considered good news to Sixers fans embracing the rebuild. In 4 years I expect Noel and MCW to be terrorizing the east with a cast of good youth around them.

Jazzfanramblings: The 76ers are a farm team.

There really is no other way of looking at it. We've seen teams reload. We've seen teams rebuild. But, the 76ers are the first team I've ever seen become a farm team. They are all about asset development and accumulation at this point. None of their players are 'their guys' all of them are simply assets, ready to be traded at the drop of a hat if a slightly better (or younger) asset comes along. In fact, if you play well for the 76ers there is a good chance that you'll be shipped off to another city. Just ask Holiday. Just ask Michael Carter Williams. If Noel looks good expect his name to be on the trade block. Thad Young probably has his bags packed and sitting by the front door waiting for the day his phone rings.

It will be interesting to see them change the way they do business and become a team about competing instead of accumulating in the future as it's going to take quite a shift in the way they approach players and their fans.

Projected record: 14/68

[Risk101]

This was a good read.

Only thing missing was a bit of Joel Embiid and his possible contributions to the future of the team. Other than that great job.

[marcush]

I think you are overplaying the farm team angle a tad. There is no reason to think that they are not committed to Noel and Embiid long term, I think they are definitely 'their guys'.

Is MCW one of 'their guys'? Don't know but I imagine you don't get overly attached to players so inefficient offensively and struggle defensively. If he improves significantly on either or both ends then he probably becomes a banker.

Jrue? Well he is a good defensive player but like MCW inefficient offensively. They just got a great deal.

[jazzfan1971]

Thad Young disagrees with you.

[AussieCeltic]

Last years thread for those asking at home whether they wish to pay attention to all 30 teams.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1267037

[floppymoose]

Hey ho! I'll be 'helping' this year with the offseason preview. I thought it was a great thread last year and I always enjoy jazzfan's writeups. He asked me to do the win/loss projections this year and to add some comments to each writeup. Usually my comments will be brief because I think jazzfan is the better read.

The part of each writeup labelled "Floppymusings" is from me. It's fine with me if jazzfan wants to italicize that part or colorize it, just to make clear where my blurb ends and his voice resumes. Or we can leave you guessing. As Zoidberg would say: "Both good options. The important thing is I'm meeting new people."

[MountainDrew]

Thad Young disagrees with you.

Obviously Young is not Hinkie's guy because Hinkie did not draft him, trade for him or given him his contract. Fact is, Hinkie has not traded anyone who he has acquired himself yet, so I'm not feeling this farm team stuff. As he's also said, any player who is good is going to receive trade interest. You would be foolish not to at least listen.

Hinkie has pretty much never leaked information (Thad trade rumors have come mainly from Minnesota's end), so a lot of these trade rumours are just speculation.

The Holiday trade has been a massive success for the sixers value wise, Holiday is barely even an above average point guard and we got 3 first round picks and a 2nd rounder for him, so far.

And there is no evidence that MCW, Noel and Embiid aren't "their guys". Give me one good reason to believe that.

[QRich3]

Wow just realized the 6ers don't have anyone to play at SG other than McRae and the washedest up Jason Richardson (who'll probably end up being bought out yeah?). I don't mean to keep feeding the outrage at the Sixers tank or anything, but there's a team in the league that might end up starting Moultrie, McRae and Hollis Thompson

[SA37]

Wow just realized the 6ers don't have anyone to play at SG other than McRae and the washedest up Jason Richardson (who'll probably end up being bought out yeah?). I don't mean to keep feeding the outrage at the Sixers tank or anything, but there's a team in the league that might end up starting Moultrie, McRae and Hollis Thompson

Tony Wroten can play the 2 also. I am keeping my fingers crossed Miami can swing a deal for Jason Richardson, as Miami needs a backup 2-guard.

As for the prediciton..it's probably spot-on. For all intents and purposes, Philadelphia is going to be put out a team of all rookies. I feel sorry for 76ers fans. At least they have some hope with Noel coming back from injury and MCW being the bright spot.

[Iamtheliquor]

Sure Hinkie may view his players as assets, but I doubt he's going to trade WMC or Noel (if he turns out to be a stud) at the drop of a hat as you said. They are the key building blocks of the franchise now, the trading of every asset to get younger can only go so far and once Thad and J RIch are out there's few assets left if the front office's goal is to get younger and accumulate picks.

[MountainDrew]

Wow just realized the 6ers don't have anyone to play at SG other than McRae and the washedest up Jason Richardson (who'll probably end up being bought out yeah?). I don't mean to keep feeding the outrage at the Sixers tank or anything, but there's a team in the league that might end up starting Moultrie, McRae and Hollis Thompson

No chance Moultrie starts. McRae improbable but not impossible. Thompson will most likely start like last season. He can shoot and has potential on defense. But yeah, we'll be terrible.

[LloydFree]

A little off base, with the "I feel sorry for the fans" narrative. The majority of 76ers fans I know are onboard with what they are doing. And the "I feel sorry for Thad Young" thing is silly too. A league average player making 9 million per year. He doesn't move the needle either way, so he isn't wasting some HOF career on a rebuilding team. He doesn't need sympathy.

Get off the 76ers are doing things the "wrong way" kick. Especially the bottom feeders like the Jazz, Magic and Celtics. A lot of sanctimonious talk right now. I read those teams' boards all year. On each one, 90% of the fans cursed every win the team got, from November 2013, till the end. "I want my team to tank, but your team is bad for tanking". Very Hypocritical.

[winter_mute_13]

I think you are overplaying the farm team angle a tad. There is no reason to think that they are not committed to Noel and Embiid long term, I think they are definitely 'their guys'.

They both project as centers to me. If they both pan out, wouldn't it mean that the Sixers would keep one and trade the other?

[Sixersftw]

They both project as centers to me. If they both pan out, wouldn't it mean that the Sixers would keep one and trade the other?

Noel is likely going to play PF.

[HotelVitale]

I think you are overplaying the farm team angle a tad. There is no reason to think that they are not committed to Noel and Embiid long term, I think they are definitely 'their guys'.

They both project as centers to me. If they both pan out, wouldn't it mean that the Sixers would keep one and trade the other?

It's one of the things to watch with them. Noel is skinny so some people see PF, but he can't leave the pain on offense so he can't really play PF there. And Embiid has a bit more range but he's huge and is much more effective on offense right at the cup. Coaches will have to get creative to play them together.

And neither is really a 'project'--more like 'gamble' centers. If they're healthy, they'll be at least pretty good and probably starters (I say this as a non-Philly fan).

[sixerswillrule]

I think you are overplaying the farm team angle a tad. There is no reason to think that they are not committed to Noel and Embiid long term, I think they are definitely 'their guys'.

They both project as centers to me. If they both pan out, wouldn't it mean that the Sixers would keep one and trade the other?

On offense, Noel will play mostly from the high post and looks to have solid passing ability. Maybe will develop an average 15 footer. Embiid has the low post game and could develop some face up/midrange ability.
On defense, Noel has the agility to cover most of the court. Might lose a bit of his interior help D chasing some PFs but it'll still be valuable, no doubt. Embiid should be a great rim protector.
Potential Noel/Embiid = 2010-2012 Boozer/Noah on steroids.

[Vides990]

Thad Young disagrees with you.

Obviously Young is not Hinkie's guy because Hinkie did not draft him, trade for him or given him his contract. Fact is, Hinkie has not traded anyone who he has acquired himself yet, so I'm not feeling this farm team stuff. As he's also said, any player who is good is going to receive trade interest. You would be foolish not to at least listen.

Hinkie has pretty much never leaked information (Thad trade rumors have come mainly from Minnesota's end), so a lot of these trade rumours are just speculation.

The Holiday trade has been a massive success for the sixers value wise, Holiday is barely even an above average point guard and we got 3 first round picks and a 2nd rounder for him, so far.

And there is no evidence that MCW, Noel and Embiid aren't "their guys". Give me one good reason to believe that.

You have one good prospect currently playing (Noel), one who will miss the season (Embiid), and a decent young guy in MCW. The rest of the team is filled with D-league talent, honestly, farm team seems generous.

[HartfordWhalers]

Hey. I'm Wes. I'm just some guy who is an NBA fan with a keyboard and an opinion. I'm no expert on the NBA. Not by a long shot. So, if you are reading this realize I'm not a journalist. I'm not even up to the level of a Bleacher Report contributor. I'm just a guy. A guy like most of you. A guy with biases, preconceived notions, and limited time and energy. Also probably like most of you. I hope to write an preview of the NBA that is enjoyable to read more than one that is heavy on facts, research, and analysis. That's the hope anyway.
Last year was my first year doing this project and it was hit and miss. I got a few things right, but, I wiffed badly on others. (apologies to Tim Duncan and the Spurs) I expect this year will be a repeat performance with some hits and some bad misses as well.

That's how I roll.

#30 - 76ers
Projected Roster
-------------------------------
PG - Micheal Carter Williams, Tony Wroten, Casper Ware
SG - KJ McDaniels, Jordan McRae
SF - Hollis Thompson, Jason Richardson, Jerami Grant
PF - Thad Young, Arnette Moultrie, Jarvis Varnado
C - Nerlens Noel, Henry Sims

Trading Block: Jason Richardson has no business being on this young team. Thad Young could be shipped out as well if the 76ers can find something worth while in return. (Edit: Rumor is that Thad is part of the Kevin Love deal and will be shipped out)

Position battles: SG with McDaniels, McRae, and Richardson fighting it out. My money is on KJ McDaniels and his athleticism earning the position.

Mystery man: Nerlens Noel. I'm not sure if he is a PF or C in the league. I don't know how his body will hold up to either role. But, with Sims being the only other player on the roster with center size I figure that Noel will be playing center this season. I think this year for the 76ers is going to be all about seeing what they have in Noel and how to best use him.

Floppymusings: I'm a big fan of Noel. Like, really big. I project him as an above average center right out of the gate as a rookie. Despite that, I can't seem to get the Sixers past 14 wins. This may be considered good news to Sixers fans embracing the rebuild. In 4 years I expect Noel and MCW to be terrorizing the east with a cast of good youth around them.

Jazzfanramblings: The 76ers are a farm team.

There really is no other way of looking at it. We've seen teams reload. We've seen teams rebuild. But, the 76ers are the first team I've ever seen become a farm team. They are all about asset development and accumulation at this point. None of their players are 'their guys' all of them are simply assets, ready to be traded at the drop of a hat if a slightly better (or younger) asset comes along. In fact, if you play well for the 76ers there is a good chance that you'll be shipped off to another city. Just ask Holiday. Just ask Michael Carter Williams. If Noel looks good expect his name to be on the trade block. Thad Young probably has his bags packed and sitting by the front door waiting for the day his phone rings.

It will be interesting to see them change the way they do business and become a team about competing instead of accumulating in the future as it's going to take quite a shift in the way they approach players and their fans.

Projected record: 14/68

Varnado should edge Moultrie in the depth chart, or at least he did last year. That said, he also mostly played center last year, and if Noel plays some pf I would move Varnado to third string center instead of second string pf, although it will be the same either way. Moultrie and Varnado both here at the trade deadline would shock me, as I already view Moultrie (like JRich) as effectively off the team and it is highly possible Ronald Roberts replaces his roster spot even.

Also, as mentioned above, expect some Wroten at sg. He has the size, just not the shooting. A small ball lineup of MCW/Wroten/Hollis/Grant/Varnado wouldn't really have Wroten, Grant or Varnado anymore out of position then if they were at the 1, 3 and 4; and I would expect to see that type of lineup a fair amount even if the team also does a MCW/Hollis/Grant/Noel/Sims jumbo lineup as well. When all of your pieces cannot shoot and are tall/athletes, it makes depth charts a kind of interesting exercise in futility.

The real roster questions I see are
-- will anyone other than Hollis have an outside shot
-- how much pf versus center will Noel play, and how will he hold up
-- who will be the new guy(s), when will they come, and when will Thad and Jrich go

I would have jumped to 16 games cause you win a few just being in shape, however 14-16 wins seems right and most are really happy to hear those sort of numbers.


In terms of the none of their guys are their guys narrative, I don't think there is nearly the evidence for that. Holiday, Hawes, Turner and (soon?) Thad are all vets that it made sense to trade in a gut to the studs tear down. The only possible exception is the 'just ask MCW', for which there are two possibilities -- 1 Hinkie really shopped him like mad for a mid lotto draft pick or 2 Hinkie set that smokescreen up, then used it to leverage the Payton to Orlando draft night fleecing. I think it was clearly the second, with some corroborating stuff making it the more educated guess. Which would leave the narrative at the Sixers have only traded vets for prospects 2nds cap space, and not that they will trade anyone anytime for a slightly younger guy, and given how the franchise has played up Noel I think he seems to clearly be one of their guys.

[sixerswillrule]

Thad Young disagrees with you.

Obviously Young is not Hinkie's guy because Hinkie did not draft him, trade for him or given him his contract. Fact is, Hinkie has not traded anyone who he has acquired himself yet, so I'm not feeling this farm team stuff. As he's also said, any player who is good is going to receive trade interest. You would be foolish not to at least listen.

Hinkie has pretty much never leaked information (Thad trade rumors have come mainly from Minnesota's end), so a lot of these trade rumours are just speculation.

The Holiday trade has been a massive success for the sixers value wise, Holiday is barely even an above average point guard and we got 3 first round picks and a 2nd rounder for him, so far.

And there is no evidence that MCW, Noel and Embiid aren't "their guys". Give me one good reason to believe that.

You have one good prospect currently playing (Noel), one who will miss the season (Embiid), and a decent young guy in MCW. The rest of the team is filled with D-league talent, honestly, farm team seems generous.

We got the guys with the highest ceilings in Noel and Embiid. The argument is that they are in the long term plan, which is true. If you want to call not worrying about filling up the "rest of the team" with mediocre veterans a "farm team", then go right ahead.

[BruceO]

I'll take teams I'm not even concerned about enough to read the posts that are about them for three years for a thousand