My "Interview" with GM/President Ed Stefanksi

[The Future]

Recently the 76ers held a sit and talk with President/GM Ed Stefanski in Ralph’s Café of the new Comcast building. I was in attendance and had the opportunity to talk to Ed for quite some time (35 minutes). I picked his brain about every option the 76ers could explore, here’s a summary of our conversation, from a very honest and open Ed Stefanski:

Restricted Free Agents:

Andre Iguodola and Louis Williams: The number one off season priority is to resign Iguodola and Williams. The 76ers will not trade Iguodola under any circumstances, obviously if a superstar was offered for Iguodola; the 76ers would have to consider it. Stefanski is very HIGH on Iguodola and Louis Williams. He believes Williams is going to be a very special player, he’s not sure if Williams is a true PG however. Also, Stefanski loves the fact that Iguodola is a team player. He told me not to be disappointed in Iguodolas' playoff performance, that he’s young and will only get better. He emphasized the point that T. Prince can shut down nearly any SG/SF in the league. The interesting point here was that Iguodola will be playing the 2 spot. He will not play SF unless Thaddeus Young shows he’s not ready to start.

NBA Draft 2008:

Stefanski and I talked candidly about all of the 76ers options in the draft; the 76ers are able to move up to the 10 spot easily if they like a player enough. Ed told me they can package the Utah pick and the 76ers pick from this year to move up to as far as 10 with no problems. The list of prospects the 76ers LOVE include the following 7 names, ranked in order:

1. Russell Westbrook: Stefanski believes he’s in the mold of Chris Paul/Steve Nash, only more athletic and more defensive. He LOVES Westbrook; he told me if a situation presented itself to draft him, he would not hesitate.
2. Joe Alexander: Really likes his athleticism and total game, says his potential is very high.
3. Kevin Love: “I LOVE Love” – Ed Stefanski.
4. Jerryd Bayless: intriguing prospect, says he reminds him a lot of Monte Ellis.
5. Brook Lopez: a big that can score in the post, rebound, run the floor and block shots. Would contribute immediately.
6. Kosta Koufos: Can shoot from anywhere on the floor, will only get better in the post.
7. Anthony Randolph: Loves his potential, says he will not contribute immediately, but also mentioned the fact that no one thought Thaddeus Young would contribute as much as he did last season.
8. Darrell Arthur: likes the fact that he can rebound very well, very smart player
9. Marreese Speights: Can finish at the rim with both hands, very athletic, skilled big. Worries if he is too soft, they have their team psychologist working with him.
10. DeAndre Jordan: Said he is rapidly falling, likes his potential a lot. He has a man’s body and is a project, but has HUGE upside. Said he’s a poor man’s version of Dwight Howard.
11. JJ Hickson: Another big with a lot of potential, loves his strength.
12. Donte Green: Doesn’t like the fact that he can’t play a lick of defense, told me that Green could not cover him even now, lol.


Free Agents and Trades:

1. Elton Brand: Loves him, thinks he’s a great locker room presence. A real PF who can post and rebound, as well as block shots. Said things could get interesting if the Clippers or Brand express interest in parting ways. The 76ers do not have to follow NBA rules for teams over the salary cap; therefore they can package their salary cap money, a first round pick and a player like Willie Green for Elton Brand.

2. Josh Smith: Really believes Smith is something special, also believes the Hawks will match anything for him.

3. Antawn Jamison: likes him as a person, not in love with him as a player. Believes he could fit the 76ers system however.

4. Gilbert Arenas: Absolutely, 100% NO. He will not sacrifice the chemistry and make up of our team, he says that the team the way it is constructed right now, is a bunch of really good guys. Called Arenas “loopy.”

5. Baron Davis: Loves Davis, and if an opportunity presented itself he would trade for him. Davis also might opt out of his contract. This is a situation to look at more. Davis is the perfect fit for the 76ers run and gun offense.

6. Jermaine O’Neal: NO. Makes too much money, could not afford him and is injured too often. Believes he’s on the downside of his career now.

7. Zach Randolph: A bogus rumor that will NEVER happen. The 76ers would never take on his contract (Top 5 worst contracts in the NBA) and will never have someone as mentally unstable as Randolph on the team.


76ers Current Roster:

1. Rodney Carney, Thaddeus Young, Louis Williams and Jason Smith: Loves Carney’s athleticism, says he’s a shy kid who’s finally breaking out of his shell. Also said he is the fastest player in the NBA running the court. Is diligently working on his handle, jumper and defense this off season. Is in ATL at Mark Prices “amazing shooter camp” along with Louis Williams, Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith. The camp is supposedly unbelievable: cameras and video cameras everywhere, video session breaking down shots, two a days and over 500+ jumpers a day for each of the players. The guys love it, especially Young! He said all of these players will improve dramatically with there jump shots.

2. Andre Miller: Not sure what will happen with Miller, says Miller just doesn’t talk. He’s said an entire 10 words to Miller since being the GM. He’s not sure what Miller’s intentions are, said Miller has never stated he wants to stay with the 76ers. His agent can’t even talk to him!? Miller is the key to the 76ers off season plans this summer and next summer. They have to find out where he stands, otherwise they have to move him…his value is tremendously high right now. Also stated that Miller will be 33 or 34 next season. I honestly got the feeling, that Miller will not be a 76er past this season.

3. Willie Green, Reggie Evans and Shalvik Randolph: Randolph will not be a part of the team, are looking to trade Green to free up 4-5 more million dollars of cap space and also, loves Evans but wants him to play a max 16 minutes a game.

That’s all the info I have from our conversation! I hope they make a huge draft day deal to land Westbrook or A. Randolph. The real fun begins on July 1st though!! GO Sixers!!

Oh by the way, he told me never goes on ANY Board.

Interesting tid bit on the Clippers... if Maggette is moved for Barbosa, look for Brand to opt out.

[STChaser]

Just read that a little while over at Philly.com. One thing that has me somewhat puzzled is the amount of guards high up on Ed's list. He keeps talking about needing a PF - which I agree we need, and yet a lot of his early choices were guards.

It would seem to me that we're pretty solid at the point and 2 guard right now. We KNOW that Iguodala has to slide over to SG to allow room for Thaddeus at SF - so that should cover SG. And we've got Carney at WG backing him up. And we know that Lou is considered a tweener at the moment but he should be next in line once Miller goes to try his hand at the point - at least that was my take on it. So why the emphasis on guards when this draft is stocked with big men? I'm not saying it would hurt to acquire another guard - especially in light of Miller eventually departing, but aren't our more pressing needs at the 4 and 5? How do you take a guard in this draft when you have a plethora of 7 footers available and when our only backup at the 5 is Calvin Booth?

STChaser

[CPops57]

Thanks for the interesting post.

Carney Is in ATL at Mark Prices “amazing shooter camp” along with Louis Williams, Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith.

Good to hear they're working on their games.

As one of the youngest teams in the league, a lot of team improvement should come just through young players getting better.

[The Future]

Westbrook and Bayless could be lethal in a backcourt with Louis Wililams. Ed said they have a million 2 guards, and that they will be looking to move Green. Westbrook and Bayless are very highly graded by the 76ers. The uncertainity of the Andre Miller situation is playing in Stefanksi's mind, if Miller is dealt or leaves via free agency next season, is Williams a true PG? I don't think he is, neither does Ed yet....of course that could all change if Williams has a fantastic year at the Point.

[phiphan]

great first post. interesting stuff.

[Johnny Broad-Street]

On an somewhat related note (though not very informative or insightful) I saw Cheeks eating at Bliss late Saturday night and asked if he was ready for Thursday.....He said "you know it man" and gave me a knowing nod and wink combo....I felt comforted by this

[Wildfire]

Recently the 76ers held a sit and talk with President/GM Ed Stefanski in Ralph’s Café of the new Comcast building. I was in attendance and had the opportunity to talk to Ed for quite some time (35 minutes). I picked his brain about every option the 76ers could explore, here’s a summary of our conversation, from a very honest and open Ed Stefanski:

Restricted Free Agents:

Andre Iguodola and Louis Williams: The number one off season priority is to resign Iguodola and Williams. The 76ers will not trade Iguodola under any circumstances, obviously if a superstar was offered for Iguodola; the 76ers would have to consider it. Stefanski is very HIGH on Iguodola and Louis Williams. He believes Williams is going to be a very special player, he’s not sure if Williams is a true PG however. Also, Stefanski loves the fact that Iguodola is a team player. He told me not to be disappointed in Iguodolas' playoff performance, that he’s young and will only get better. He emphasized the point that T. Prince can shut down nearly any SG/SF in the league. The interesting point here was that Iguodola will be playing the 2 spot. He will not play SF unless Thaddeus Young shows he’s not ready to start.

NBA Draft 2008:

Stefanski and I talked candidly about all of the 76ers options in the draft; the 76ers are able to move up to the 10 spot easily if they like a player enough. Ed told me they can package the Utah pick and the 76ers pick from this year to move up to as far as 10 with no problems. The list of prospects the 76ers LOVE include the following 7 names, ranked in order:

1. Russell Westbrook: Stefanski believes he’s in the mold of Chris Paul/Steve Nash, only more athletic and more defensive. He LOVES Westbrook; he told me if a situation presented itself to draft him, he would not hesitate.
2. Joe Alexander: Really likes his athleticism and total game, says his potential is very high.
3. Kevin Love: “I LOVE Love” – Ed Stefanski.
4. Jerryd Bayless: intriguing prospect, says he reminds him a lot of Monte Ellis.
5. Brook Lopez: a big that can score in the post, rebound, run the floor and block shots. Would contribute immediately.
6. Kosta Koufos: Can shoot from anywhere on the floor, will only get better in the post.
7. Anthony Randolph: Loves his potential, says he will not contribute immediately, but also mentioned the fact that no one thought Thaddeus Young would contribute as much as he did last season.
8. Darrell Arthur: likes the fact that he can rebound very well, very smart player
9. Marreese Speights: Can finish at the rim with both hands, very athletic, skilled big. Worries if he is too soft, they have their team psychologist working with him.
10. DeAndre Jordan: Said he is rapidly falling, likes his potential a lot. He has a man’s body and is a project, but has HUGE upside. Said he’s a poor man’s version of Dwight Howard.
11. JJ Hickson: Another big with a lot of potential, loves his strength.
12. Donte Green: Doesn’t like the fact that he can’t play a lick of defense, told me that Green could not cover him even now, lol.


Free Agents and Trades:

1. Elton Brand: Loves him, thinks he’s a great locker room presence. A real PF who can post and rebound, as well as block shots. Said things could get interesting if the Clippers or Brand express interest in parting ways. The 76ers do not have to follow NBA rules for teams over the salary cap; therefore they can package their salary cap money, a first round pick and a player like Willie Green for Elton Brand.

2. Josh Smith: Really believes Smith is something special, also believes the Hawks will match anything for him.

3. Antawn Jamison: likes him as a person, not in love with him as a player. Believes he could fit the 76ers system however.

4. Gilbert Arenas: Absolutely, 100% NO. He will not sacrifice the chemistry and make up of our team, he says that the team the way it is constructed right now, is a bunch of really good guys. Called Arenas “loopy.”

5. Baron Davis: Loves Davis, and if an opportunity presented itself he would trade for him. Davis also might opt out of his contract. This is a situation to look at more. Davis is the perfect fit for the 76ers run and gun offense.

6. Jermaine O’Neal: NO. Makes too much money, could not afford him and is injured too often. Believes he’s on the downside of his career now.

7. Zach Randolph: A bogus rumor that will NEVER happen. The 76ers would never take on his contract (Top 5 worst contracts in the NBA) and will never have someone as mentally unstable as Randolph on the team.


76ers Current Roster:

1. Rodney Carney, Thaddeus Young, Louis Williams and Jason Smith: Loves Carney’s athleticism, says he’s a shy kid who’s finally breaking out of his shell. Also said he is the fastest player in the NBA running the court. Is diligently working on his handle, jumper and defense this off season. Is in ATL at Mark Prices “amazing shooter camp” along with Louis Williams, Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith. The camp is supposedly unbelievable: cameras and video cameras everywhere, video session breaking down shots, two a days and over 500+ jumpers a day for each of the players. The guys love it, especially Young! He said all of these players will improve dramatically with there jump shots.

2. Andre Miller: Not sure what will happen with Miller, says Miller just doesn’t talk. He’s said an entire 10 words to Miller since being the GM. He’s not sure what Miller’s intentions are, said Miller has never stated he wants to stay with the 76ers. His agent can’t even talk to him!? Miller is the key to the 76ers off season plans this summer and next summer. They have to find out where he stands, otherwise they have to move him…his value is tremendously high right now. Also stated that Miller will be 33 or 34 next season. I honestly got the feeling, that Miller will not be a 76er past this season.

3. Willie Green, Reggie Evans and Shalvik Randolph: Randolph will not be a part of the team, are looking to trade Green to free up 4-5 more million dollars of cap space and also, loves Evans but wants him to play a max 16 minutes a game.

That’s all the info I have from our conversation! I hope they make a huge draft day deal to land Westbrook or A. Randolph. The real fun begins on July 1st though!! GO Sixers!!

Oh by the way, he told me never goes on ANY Board.

Interesting tid bit on the Clippers... if Maggette is moved for Barbosa, look for Brand to opt out.

I bolded the interesting points.

1. I'm glad he sees Iggy as a 2 and Thad as the 3 next year, hopefully it works out that way and Thad gets 30-35 minutes a night.

2. I'm really surprised he thinks he can get up to 10 so easily, I would be highly surprised if our pick and the Jazz pick get us up to 10.

3. I think he's overrating Westbrook, maybe its just cause I have an inbred skepticism of combo guards, but I really don't believe he's going to be all that great, or be the kind of playmakers that Nash and Paul are. Am I missing something about him that makes him different from Gordon/Ellis?

4. I'm worried about the Speights tidbit, if that's true, that's a huge problem.

5. The Miller tidbit all but guarantees he's not here next season, I'd be looking to trade him now if all that is true.

6. I am shocked he would speak so candidly about Green, at least he's got his priorities straight.

Very nice stuff for the most part actually, some of it is a lot different from the usual stuff he gives us.

[dbodner]

Just read that a little while over at Philly.com. One thing that has me somewhat puzzled is the amount of guards high up on Ed's list. He keeps talking about needing a PF - which I agree we need, and yet a lot of his early choices were guards.

Most of the guards he talked about will be long gone by our pick.

[Wildfire]

On an somewhat related note (though not very informative or insightful) I saw Cheeks eating at Bliss late Saturday night and asked if he was ready for Thursday.....He said "you know it man" and gave me a knowing nod and wink combo....I felt comforted by this

"How could he not hire me?! He gave me the wink and the gun!"

Kudos if you know where this is from.

[STChaser]

Well, that issue with Speights is what I kind of touched upon after watching two of his interviews. I know he's got the physical tools at 6'10 and 245 but he doesn't seem to have the attitude. Then again, he's young and just because he's soft spoken and has a calm demeanor doesn't necessarily imply that he's a guaranteed bust. Still, it must have been enough of a red flag for Stephanski too if he had him talking to the team psychologist.

Also, what was up with Stephanski's comment on Donte Green? Could that be a smokescreen of sorts?


STChaser

[Johnny Broad-Street]

Want to say Seinfeld...but not sure of episode

[tk76]

I can confirm that Thad and Lou have attended Price's shooting camp (straight off the website.) Beyond that its hard to know what to make of the info in this post. I guess some more interesting peices of information. By this account it sounds like we will be seing Koufos on the Sixers Summer League team. Hope he turns out to be better than Kristic.

[The Sixer Fixer]

I like heariing he's high on Westbrook and Bayless. A little disappointed to not see Eric Gordon on the list though. I would take him over both the other guys right now.

Glad he shot down the Zach Randolph talk again. No need to add that cancer. Baron Davis is an interesting name. If you play Iguodala and Young at the 2/3, then you need a PG who can hit the 3 (one reason I'm not sure Westbrook would be a good fit from the draft). As for Davis though, I doubt he would want to come here. I remember there were rumors (when Iverson was on the block) he wasn't too high on going to a team on the east coast.

[The Future]

"How could he not hire me?! He gave me the wink and the gun!"

Kudos if you know where this is from.[/quote]

Carlton, Fresh Prince

[Skates]

I like heariing he's high on Westbrook and Bayless. A little disappointed to not see Eric Gordon on the list though. I would take him over both the other guys right now.

I think he is concentrating on guys that are more likely to be able to make the switch to PG, Gordon may say he wants to be a PG, but he is clearly a SG (and a good one IMO). Of the two I would prefer Westbrook, he is a superior defender at either guard position and played nicely at the point when Collison was out. The Bayless comparison to Monte Ellis is telling, Ellis is definitely a superior scorer just like Bayless. If we want a high pick for one of these guards or big men it will likely be Memphis as the shopping spot.

[Cru Thik]

Smoke Screen Smoke Screen should be a interesting draft night for us one way or another.

[dbodner]

Still, it must have been enough of a red flag for Stephanski too if he had him talking to the team psychologist.

That's common place in today's nba. Most talk to team psychologists during part of the interview process.

[The Guilty Party]

Unlike last year, I'm not going into this draft with the idea that we're going to move up. I come away from the main post thinking that Speights won't be the pick unless Randolph and Arthur are off of the board first. Jordan's stock is falling just about as quickly as anyone in recent memory. It was only about 2 months ago (after the college season had ended) that a lot of mocks had him in the Top 10. Now it's sounding more and more like he'll be lucky to be taken in the 1st round.

[dbodner]

top 10? He was top 5 consensus almost all season. There were a handful of us on this board saying we didn't so it though, so pat ourselves on the back for calling that one.

[The Guilty Party]

top 10? He was top 5 consensus almost all season. There were a handful of us on this board saying we didn't so it though, so pat ourselves on the back for calling that one.

Right now, I won't fault any GM who takes Jordan with their pick from #15 on down. If he develops and realizes his potential, the kid will become a perennial all-star and a beast to deal with down low. If he doesn't develop, he'll probably be out of the league within 5 years however, since he was taken with a mid to late first round pick, he won't be remembered as one of the worst selections ever (see: Sharone Wright, Kwame Brown, Darko Milicic, etc).

Personally, the following people are on the board when the Sixers select, I would take them in this order:

1) Arthur
2) Jordan
3) Speights