Build It the Right Way

The Sixers have spent the past decade being too small and individualistic on the court, dumb-witted and stubborn in the front office, and unwilling to change with the times in both areas.

All of that changed last season. They got rid of their star players. For quarters at a time, they ran the court and shared the basketball. Andre Miller looked like a poor man’s Steve Nash, and Kyle Korver made enough plays away from the ball to remind us that people other than Richard Hamilton can play that game. More importantly, Andre Iguodala showed that he can be aggressive on offense, and play a complete game at the same time. That team was headed in the right direction. Now we have to wonder where that direction is pointing after an important draft.

The critics aren't impressed with the Sixers’ draft results. They drafted 6-8 swingman Thaddeus Young, 7-0 center Jason Smith, 6-7 small forward Derrick Byars, and 6-10 forward Herbert Hill. Young is projected to be a star or a flop, Smith has an inside-outside game that wasn’t exactly elite against college competition, Byars could be a steal at No. 42, and Hill might be able to log some minutes if the Sixers are unable to re-sign Joe Smith.

Meanwhile, the current Sixers roster is looking more and more like an NBA-caliber Temple University men’s basketball team, with too many oversized guards and inconsistent big men. The Sixers brass believed they drafted the best player available at No. 12, but they are currently log-jammed with six small forwards. It’s a lock that Iguodala will start at the three, and Korver will likely be the first man off the bench unless someone like Young or Carney impresses this summer. Korver improved his overall game last year, but will need to continue to prove he’s not just a situational player. Ideally, the combination of Young or Carney will require plenty of playing time, and be the first bench player to spell a cold shooter. Their athleticism and defense would make the Sixers a better team over the course of a season.

But that’s wishful thinking, and we have to wonder what exactly the Sixers are building. Obviously, playing time will be very competitive, but the pick of Young doesn’t make much sense. Maybe Larry Brown’s presence is too much for Philadelphia’s good (he reportedly loves Young). Maybe the Sixers think a lineup with lots of big guards is the blueprint for success. Maybe they’ll trade a bunch of players for Milwaukee’s Yi Jian Lian - who is yet to set foot in Milwaukee and unhappy with the lack of an Asian population in the city. Who knows what Billy King is thinking with this team.

Image Credit: Flickr user kenbrynan