Editor’s note: This is the sixth of Sam Amico’s look at all 30 NBA teams heading into the 2013-14 season.
Meet the Sixers
Somebody has to be bad, and had the NBA asked for volunteers, the Philadelphia 76ers would’ve raised their hand and yelled, “Pick me!”
How else do you explain the Sixers’ decision to unload All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday (to New Orleans) for rookie big man Nerlens Noel?
Not that there’s anything wrong with Noel, the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. Well, there’s nothing wrong with him except for that injured knee -- which supposedly will keep him out until at least December. Even when he returns, there’s that whole business about him being a rookie.
Until then, the Sixers will start either Spencer Hawes or Kwame Brown at center. And perhaps Lavoy Allen at power forward. And another rookie, Michael Carter-Williams, at point guard.
Now, again, these guys are all capable NBA players (although Carter-Williams is still an unknown). They just aren’t guys you necessarily want starting.
Throw in first-time coach Brett Brown, and the Sixers have the look of an expansion team. Only probably not as good.
But all of this appears to be by design.
In the Sixers’ defense, they were sort of spinning their wheels with Holiday and the gang. They looked good enough to fight for a playoff spot … and that’s it.
The result was an average season, average draft position and average fan interest. So, hey, why not take a step (or in this case, a major fall) back to get better?
Brown’s job will be to develop the youngsters, let them take their lumps, and get ready for the future.
If that is indeed the plan, this year’s Sixers should be a smashing success. How’s that for a rally cry?
Coach: Brett Brown (first NBA season)
Last season: 34-48, did not make playoffs.
Projected starters: C Spencer Hawes; PF Lavoy Allen; SF Thaddeus Young; SG Evan Turner; PG Michael Carter-Williams (r).
Key reserves: C/PF Nerlens Noel (r); SG Jason Richardson; G Tony Wroten; PF Arnett Moultrie; C Kwame Brown; PF Royce White.
New faces: Coach Brown, Noel, Carter-Williams, Wroten, White, SF James Anderson, C Tim Ohlbrecht.
Outlook: You can expect to see a few trades by the deadline, but most will be centered on the idea of getting younger, landing more draft picks or taking on expiring contracts. So there’s still time for things to get worse.
Prediction: 20-62.
FOX Sports: Sixers home.
Twitter: @SamAmicoFSO
