The 76ers had a nice season that ended with a tough loss in the playoffs against the Orlando Magic. With plenty of pieces moving and coming back, this could be an interesting team come next season. With only one pick in this draft the 76ers will have to do some extra work in free agency or through trades this season.
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2009 Free Agents
- Donyell Marshall (Unrestricted)
- Royal Ivey (Unrestricted)
- Andre Miller (Unrestricted)
- Theo Ratliff (Unrestricted)
- Kareem Rush (Unrestricted)
It looks like Andre Miller is gone from Philly, so that leaves the PG spot wide open. I don't see Ratliff and Rush coming back either. Ivey opted out of his contract (I believe), so the only real question mark is Donyell Marshall and I'm really not sure that they will bring him back.
Depth Chart (Pre-Draft)
PG: Lou Williams
SG: Willie Green - Jason Kapono
SF: Andre Iguodala
PF: Thad Young - Marreese Speights - Jason Smith
C: Elton Brand - Sam Dalembert - Jason Smith
Draft Picks (Mock Picks)
- 17th overall - Eric Maynor, PG, VCU - Maynor is a mature point guard that has plenty of experience leading his team. He was a three year starter for VCU, so he knows how to run a team. I think he is one of the best point guards in this draft, but he doesn't have as much "upside" as some of the younger guys. Great pick for the 76ers here if they can get him.
Depth Chart (Post-Draft)
PG: Eric Maynor - Lou Williams
SG: Willie Green - Jason Kapono
SF: Andre Iguodala -
PF: Thad Young - Marreese Speights - Jason Smith
C: Elton Brand - Sam Dalembert - Jason Smith
Players on Trade Block
- Sam Dalembert
Dalembert seems to be the name that pops up when I hear of trade rumors involving the '6ers. I've also heard Speights and Jason Smith mentioned, but I think that was more along the lines of trading up for a pick.
Final Analysis
If the rotation of AI, Thad, and Brand at the 3,4, and 5 works out, then this team could be a dangerous defensive unit. If it doesn't then this team isn't hurting as bad at the two, because Iggy could slide back and then Dalembert would get a lot more minutes at the 5 if he isn't traded. I see this team back in the playoffs, even if they have a rookie running the point. For more coverage of the 76ers, hop on over to read what Brian's thoughts are at Depressed Fan
Comments
With that group of veterans you'd either need a dynamic young PG or a grisled vet who demanded respect. Since Lawson won a championship he might be a little bit of both. I bet the Suns would swap spots with them if they weren't set on Lawson themselves.
If the Pacers go the point guard route, I hope they take Lawson, but I see them taking a younger guy for the upside.
Maynor and Lawson are my two favorite pg prospects in this draft.
THAT is a good thing to question. Why would a team take a younger guy for upside when A) the draft isn't that good/deep and B) you really don't ever want to pay a max salary to your point guard (the thought that with the upside he could become a max player)? You could essentially use that same argument for any position except maybe center.
What does the league do if the Suns take Calathes with their pick just so they don't have to pay him for at least one year?
I don't think the league will do anything about it. It seems a pretty common practice in the back of mind, but I can't think of any names at the moment.
Actually, that kind of happened to Orlando in 2005 where they couldn't sign their lottery pick. (Fran Vazquez). I'm not sure that was intentional though.
I'd much prefer Lawson to Maynor, I've kind of soured on Maynor as time has gone on. As for Calathes, I think there are a couple teams who would love to draft and stash him. San Antonio has done it a couple of times (Scola, Splitter), Portland as well.
Do you already have Lawson off the board? He might work here if they play up-tempo.