The Philadelphia 76ers fans were overjoyed to acquire Center Andrew Bynum as the Philly came out en masse to welcome the big man. Little were they aware of the season long head ache to ensue.
Disgusted in a pitiful 2012-2013 campaign, the Philadelphia 76ers management decided to make dramatic changes in the recently promising organization. Leading up to the draft, the Philly sports atmosphere was lull, not optimistic of their 11th pick in a relatively shallow draft. Then the Sixers made it known that they were through being a spectator. In a surprising move, the 76ers dealt their rising start PG Jrue Holiday to the New Orleans Pelicans for the Pelicans 2013 1st round pick and 2014 (Top 5 Protected) 1st round pick. With the Pelicans’ 6th overall pick, the Sixers took another gamble in, once college stud center, Nerlens Noel. Originally a consensus number 1 overall pick, Noel endured an injury laden 2012-2013 NCAA year, which scared away potential top 5 suitors.
Sixers fans hold their breath as their franchise falls on the shoulders (or knees, for that matter) of another big man, this time in the form of 2013 6th overall draft pick, Nerlens Noel.
Continuing the draft, the Sixers followed up their risky 6th pick with a more orthodox one, filling their vacant starting PG position with the Syracuse prospect, Michael Carter-Williams. Carter-Williams, a traditionally oversized PG at 6’6”, was generally projected as top point guard in the draft as the Sixers were overjoyed to see the 20 year old fall to them at 11. In MCW, the Sixers gain a classic point guard with a size upside. At Syracuse, Carter-Williams often displayed the prowess of a complete point guard both offensively and defensively while maintaining a strong team first mind set and leadership ability, characteristics that the 76ers organization greatly covet.
The 76ers will look to Michael Carter-Williams to steer the franchise back into relevance in this long, uphill rebuilding phase.
One of the last surviving pieces of the old 76er guard is Thaddeus Young. Drafted way back 2007 at 12th overall out of the University of Georgia Tech (as most of the present 76ers roster were still in diapers), Young has been a stalwart in an ever changing 76ers roster. The ancient (24 year old) forward will most certainly be considered as the veteran of the lineup as the Sixers will look to him to take over games in bleak situations.
The fans know the ability of forward Thaddeus Young and will look to him to make his presence felt on the court along with his inexperienced teammates.
If nothing else, the Philadelphia 76ers organization is trying their best to turn around this bottom feeder CSL franchise. Only time will tell if all of their risky business will pay off or not. But at least the typically understanding and patient Philly sports crowd can admit they are trying.
2028
