Sixers thread: now with expectations

Sam Ray Not

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Lol, we got four separate Sixers threads now? Kinda reminds me of when I was a kid and Marvel had like 3-4 different Spider Man series going at any given time. Is this one the Amazing Sixers, the Spectacular Sixers, Web of Sixers, Sixers Team-Up, or What If Spider Man Joined the Sixers? :)

But okay: I say get Kawhi or Paul George and forget LeBron.
 
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LondonSox

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Lol, we got four separate Sixers threads now? Kinda reminds me of when I was a kid and Marvel had like 3-4 different Spider Man series going at any given time. Is this one the Amazing Sixers, the Spectacular Sixers, Web of Sixers, Sixers Team-Up, or What If Spider Man Joined the Sixers? :)

But okay: I say get Kawhi or Paul George and forget LeBron.
One is to discuss the process and tanking I guess, one is specific on colangelo and this is general sixers thread. The old process thread was locked and mods wanted more threads.
Now we get complaints about too many threads.

Oh well
 

LondonSox

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I wasn't being cheeky, but just wondered if hope had wilted in the city of brotherly love?
No I think most people are still hoping Fultz bounces back. You have to remember we have been locked and had these jokes on embiid (x2) Simmons, saric and now fultz. So we know patience can have happy endings for young players with talent.

Right now it's all colangelo. He needs to go or risks torpedoing (torpedoeing?) the offseason.
 

leetinsley38

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No I think most people are still hoping Fultz bounces back. You have to remember we have been locked and had these jokes on embiid (x2) Simmons, saric and now fultz. So we know patience can have happy endings for young players with talent.

Right now it's all colangelo. He needs to go or risks torpedoing (torpedoeing?) the offseason.
Actually some of the Fultz stuff that leaked out through the burner accounts was the most interesting. Basically alluding to some dark family secrets or trauma that also ties back to the trainer. She was fine airing out private medical info but still wouldn’t disclose what was going on with MF...
 

LondonSox

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Actually some of the Fultz stuff that leaked out through the burner accounts was the most interesting. Basically alluding to some dark family secrets or trauma that also ties back to the trainer. She was fine airing out private medical info but still wouldn’t disclose what was going on with MF...
Implied that his mother starting dating someone who screwed him up or something
(Shrug)
 

benhogan

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HRB, I understand why you think Ben/Lebron would be an inefficient partnership. And agree that packing Ben/Bayless for Kawhi makes the Sixers a better team.

BUT It all comes down to what GM Lebron and Team LBJ (Klutch) want/think:
1. Lebron's ego says he makes everyone, including Ben, around him better.
2. Lebron will take Ben under his wing, work him out all Summer, and is probably convinced he can teach Ben to be a better shooter.
3. Lebron wants to pass his "title" down to the next kid/star. I find his schtick annoying but I get a sense Lebron likes the pageantry/narrative of King James passing the scepter to Young King Ben.

Klutch Sports is all about promoting Ben Simmons as the next superstar. Lebron probably has some sort of handshake/wink-wink agreement with Rich Paul to own part of Klutch Sports once he retires. As Lebron begins the tail end of his career I expect Klutch to massively expand. Rumor has it from Eric Jr that Klutch held Ben back from playing the end of year 1 so he could win ROY this year and collect a bonus from Nike. These guys are extremely shrewd and in order for Lebron to eventually be an owner, he may need to make a few more billion.

LBJ will sign with one of the Lakers, Cavs, Rockets and 76ers. I'm speculating on the 76ers for those reasons above, plus the Eastern Division is easier, and defensive stalwarts like Embiid/Covington make it attractive for LBJ.
 
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BigSoxFan

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I just feel like LeBron in Cleveland is getting stale. He really is unlucky that the Super Warriors got formed because he may have an extra ring or two under normal circumstances, at which point moving wouldn’t have made much sense.

But now? I almost feel like he has to move. I don’t think you want to be faced with going through both Philly AND Boston for the next 5 years only to get the Warriors gauntlet should you get through. If he stays, I think he’d be lucky to win even 1 more title the rest of the way.

Philly makes sense because they have 2 young stars, a top 10 pick this year, and a good supporting cast. Fultz is obviously a variable there but even if he goes belly up, a core of Embiid, LeBron, Saric, Simmons, and #10 is quite good.

Houston just seems like a weird fit for me. Paul turns 34 next spring and is a walking injury. How much longer is he going to be an elite player? And do you really want to sign up to play GS before the NBA Finals? Your chances of rings are significantly higher in the East.

Lakers offer the most brand upside but also the most volatility. If it goes well, being the guy who brings them back to relevance will be very valuable but it’s going to take a lot of manuevering to get there. If George doesn’t go to LA, what is Plan B? Cousins? There’s a decent chance LeBron ages out of his prime before they become a real threat to the Warriors.

As has been mentioned several times on this board, the Celtics would appear to offer everything LeBron could want. The young coaching superstar, the stable front office, and a bunch of talent that would serve to keep LeBron fresh and enhance his effectiveness on the court. I’m sure Ainge will throw his hat in the ring but LeBron doesn’t seem interested for whatever reason. In the extremely unlikely event of a deal, I think Kyrie to Knicks, LeBron to Celtics, and picks/Ntilikina to Cleveland makes sense.

Ultimately, I just get the feeling that Philly gets it done even with all the Colangelo BS going on.
 

the moops

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Houston just seems like a weird fit for me. Paul turns 34 next spring and is a walking injury. How much longer is he going to be an elite player? And do you really want to sign up to play GS before the NBA Finals? Your chances of rings are significantly higher in the East.
.
I think with HOU he would be looking to play two years there tops, then bolt once there is something even juicier for him (PHI? LAL?).
 

LondonSox

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I think with HOU he would be looking to play two years there tops, then bolt once there is something even juicier for him (PHI? LAL?).
The problem with this is a good team having max cap space, without another jump in the cap, is not easy.
The sixers have a two year gap, then Simmons, saric and the year after Fultz will need to be paid (or not in the case of the latter)
They ain't gonna have max cap space again after next offseason.

I think sixers make a ton of sense because they are close enough to ready that a few moves can have them fighting for the finals now, and as LeBron ages the other players should be improving so he can pick his spots more.

The Simmons LeBron fit is a little mitigated with the idea that LeBron wants to play off ball more.

I do also think that the best way to beat GS is to beat them up on the boards and inside, a center who can beat them up if they play small and still impact defensively isn't a long list. Embiid has that potential.
The sixers esp with LeBron are a fucking huge team, stacked with decent rebounders who are big. A Simmons, LeBron, Covington, saric embiid lineup for example is a rebounding/ switching nightmare.

There are maybe better landing spots in theory but not many any easier to get to without impacting the team.
 

BigSoxFan

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The problem with this is a good team having max cap space, without another jump in the cap, is not easy.
The sixers have a two year gap, then Simmons, saric and the year after Fultz will need to be paid (or not in the case of the latter)
They ain't gonna have max cap space again after next offseason.

I think sixers make a ton of sense because they are close enough to ready that a few moves can have them fighting for the finals now, and as LeBron ages the other players should be improving so he can pick his spots more.

The Simmons LeBron fit is a little mitigated with the idea that LeBron wants to play off ball more.

I do also think that the best way to beat GS is to beat them up on the boards and inside, a center who can beat them up if they play small and still impact defensively isn't a long list. Embiid has that potential.
The sixers esp with LeBron are a fucking huge team, stacked with decent rebounders who are big. A Simmons, LeBron, Covington, saric embiid lineup for example is a rebounding/ switching nightmare.

There are maybe better landing spots in theory but not many any easier to get to without impacting the team.
What’s your Plan B if LeBron goes elsewhere? Kawhi?
 

OurF'ingCity

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What’s your Plan B if LeBron goes elsewhere? Kawhi?
I won't speak for LondonSox but Paul George would fit in pretty nicely there too if the long-rumored LeBron-PG team-up doesn't happen. I think this is one of the reasons the Sixers' current Vegas odds for next year are so good - they have multiple options to significantly improve their team, which was obviously already pretty good this year.
 

snowmanny

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3. Lebron wants to pass his "title" down to the next kid/star. I find his schtick annoying but I get a sense Lebron likes the pageantry/narrative of King James passing the scepter to Young King Ben.
Where are you getting this? That sounds really odd. If that's his goal he'd be best off going to Milwaukee.
 

Morning Woodhead

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Wouldn’t going back to Miami be a safe landing spot. Arguably as much talent as Cleveland, and can attract free agents. I’m surprised we haven’t heard Miami as a destination.
 

BigSoxFan

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Wouldn’t going back to Miami be a safe landing spot. Arguably as much talent as Cleveland, and can attract free agents. I’m surprised we haven’t heard Miami as a destination.
LeBron would never go back to play for a team he once left.
 

benhogan

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Where are you getting this? That sounds really odd. If that's his goal he'd be best off going to Milwaukee.
Agreed. It is odd, but that's Lebron. He was all hugs and kisses with Ben/Joel post game after getting beat by the Sixers. Even going as far as to call him Lil Bro. Bron wants to leave a legacy. I think Kyrie (the "kid") walking out on him irked Bron.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2762278-lebron-james-touts-young-king-ben-simmons-on-instagram-after-76ers-beat-cavs
 
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LondonSox

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I won't speak for LondonSox but Paul George would fit in pretty nicely there too if the long-rumored LeBron-PG team-up doesn't happen. I think this is one of the reasons the Sixers' current Vegas odds for next year are so good - they have multiple options to significantly improve their team, which was obviously already pretty good this year.
Paul George then Kawhi but if not roll the space a year and have a shot at Thompson or Kawhi again (as UFA)
But I think LeBron is more likely, even though PG would be a great fit

Wouldn’t going back to Miami be a safe landing spot. Arguably as much talent as Cleveland, and can attract free agents. I’m surprised we haven’t heard Miami as a destination.
Miami has a shit team that is largely capped out and with no real assets.
They haven't got space to sign him or good assets to move to be able to.
Miami locked up this roster last year to go over the cap, didn't get it then, looks worse now.

Who is LeBron looking at to play with in Miami??
 

benhogan

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I just feel like LeBron in Cleveland is getting stale. He really is unlucky that the Super Warriors got formed because he may have an extra ring or two under normal circumstances, at which point moving wouldn’t have made much sense.

But now? I almost feel like he has to move. I don’t think you want to be faced with going through both Philly AND Boston for the next 5 years only to get the Warriors gauntlet should you get through. If he stays, I think he’d be lucky to win even 1 more title the rest of the way.

Philly makes sense because they have 2 young stars, a top 10 pick this year, and a good supporting cast. Fultz is obviously a variable there but even if he goes belly up, a core of Embiid, LeBron, Saric, Simmons, and #10 is quite good.

Houston just seems like a weird fit for me. Paul turns 34 next spring and is a walking injury. How much longer is he going to be an elite player? And do you really want to sign up to play GS before the NBA Finals? Your chances of rings are significantly higher in the East.

Lakers offer the most brand upside but also the most volatility. If it goes well, being the guy who brings them back to relevance will be very valuable but it’s going to take a lot of manuevering to get there. If George doesn’t go to LA, what is Plan B? Cousins? There’s a decent chance LeBron ages out of his prime before they become a real threat to the Warriors.

As has been mentioned several times on this board, the Celtics would appear to offer everything LeBron could want. The young coaching superstar, the stable front office, and a bunch of talent that would serve to keep LeBron fresh and enhance his effectiveness on the court. I’m sure Ainge will throw his hat in the ring but LeBron doesn’t seem interested for whatever reason. In the extremely unlikely event of a deal, I think Kyrie to Knicks, LeBron to Celtics, and picks/Ntilikina to Cleveland makes sense.

Ultimately, I just get the feeling that Philly gets it done even with all the Colangelo BS going on.
Agree with all of this, except BC gets removed the day after the Finals. He's a non-event and it can be spun to the Sixers advantage with some clever PR.

If 76er ownership is smart they will make a strong statement defending the players on BC's exit. They will paint BC as a villain and Joel/Ben as the future of the organization. They will be looking for a veteran to lead them to many championships. That sets up the red carpet treatment Lebron craves...with a nice fall back option of Paul George
 
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snowmanny

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Agreed. It is odd, but that's Lebron. He was all hugs and kisses with Ben/Joel post game after getting beat by the Sixers. Even going as far as to call him Lil Bro. Bron wants to leave a legacy. I think Kyrie (the "kid") walking out on him irked Bron.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2762278-lebron-james-touts-young-king-ben-simmons-on-instagram-after-76ers-beat-cavs
That's interesting. It's worth noting that Kyrie walked out on him because he felt that LeBron limited his ability to use his whole skillset, presumably due to LeBron's ball dominant style. If I were Simmons or a Sixers fan I'd want James on my team but I am definitely dubious of the idea that James is going to suddenly play off the ball with anyone, especially in the last six minutes of big games.

I think he goes to the Sixers or stays in Cleveland. I don't think he wants any part of the West unless there is a reason LA provides an additional financial opportunity that somehow blows everyone else out of the water. I'm sort of rooting for Philly to land him.
 

LondonSox

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I think this finals is likely helping him decide to move on tbh. We shall see.
And I agree benhogan, official investigation, fired for cause appologize to players. No one else canned etc. Just need a new GM. Likely new GM uses existing scouting board.
The problem is all this is SOOOOON
 

Cesar Crespo

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Can someone help here? I have no idea who Hanlen is and can't tell if that tweet is serious or facetious.
He's like the Tom Emanski of basketball. It could be either serious or facetious, hard to tell.

Although Tom dealt with kids.
 

Eddie Jurak

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Can someone help here? I have no idea who Hanlen is and can't tell if that tweet is serious or facetious.
Right now, he's perhaps best thought of as Jayson Tatum's trainer, but he's worked with many other NBA players, too, Bradley Beal for example.

I'd happily buy low on several recent top draft picks whose stock has fallen, most notably Fultz, Ball, and Ingram.
 

LondonSox

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I'd agree with all that.
I don't know what will happen to Fultz but it seems common to think he's a bust and done. It's funny as sixers fans have had this with embiid, saric and to a lesser extent Simmons.
I think that helps the fan patience, and you could see how supportive they were.

I am not sure that lasts past next year though!
 

TripleOT

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Can someone help here? I have no idea who Hanlen is and can't tell if that tweet is serious or facetious.
Beal is a long time client. Hanlen started with Tatum when Jayson was still in HS. Drew also trains Kelly Oubre, Zack LaVine, Meyers Leonard, Jordan Clarkson, David Lee, and he used to train Andrew Wiggins, who this summer is now with superstar trainer Rob McClanaghan (Rose, Westbrook, Curry, Durant, AL, Wall, Brook Lopez, etc).

Hanlen will help Fultz tremendously, if, of course, he takes coaching well and is willing to change up long held habits.
 

the moops

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I am not sure when these guys became clients of Hanlen, but just cause it is nice to throw some ice on this whiole thing (and I am cherry picking and bored).
Beal shot 39% from three his rookie year. He shot 38% last year. He is 39% for his career.
Wiggins has not improved his shooting one bit since he came into the league
Oubre is a 32% three point shooter
Lavine shot 34% last year
Clarkson is a career 34%
 

TripleOT

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I am not sure when these guys became clients of Hanlen, but just cause it is nice to throw some ice on this whiole thing (and I am cherry picking and bored).
Beal shot 39% from three his rookie year. He shot 38% last year. He is 39% for his career.
Wiggins has not improved his shooting one bit since he came into the league
Oubre is a 32% three point shooter
Lavine shot 34% last year
Clarkson is a career 34%
Beal has been working with Hanlen since HS. He's a lifetime 39.3% three point shooter, with a max deal. Tatum just had one of the most impressive shooting rookie campaigns. Clarkson scored a 4/$50m deal as a 46th pick (and yes teams were spending like crazy, but that still crazy money for a 46th pick). LaVine's shooting was down last year, coming off the knee injury on a lousy team, but he's usually around 39% from three.

I think Hanlen is a good trainer. He's done an amazing job with Tatum. IDK why he hasn't been able to do anything with Wiggins. If McClanaghan can get him to become a more efficient scorer who actually meshes with his teammates, it will be quite an accomplishment.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Probably because these players would have improved with or without Hanlen. That's what young players do. Wiggins is the exception.

edit: Improved might not be the word. I'd question how much of an impact he actually has, though.
 

shaggydog2000

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He's like the Tom Emanski of basketball. It could be either serious or facetious, hard to tell.

Although Tom dealt with kids.
So he's won back-to-back-to-back AAU championships and hangs out with the NBA equivalent of Fred McGriff?
 

LondonSox

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One of my favourite scouts @polarfall on Twitter described zhaire defense potential as Bradley on ball and smart off ball (which I thought you guys would understand better than anyone).

Which is kind of crazy but I see it.
The on ball is so active and annoying, hands and feet.
The off ball I see more as that ability smart has to guard much larger players effectively (more than general play). As highlighted by playing the 4 in college. The clips show a lot of big players thinking they have a missmatch and getting nowhere which does really remind me of Smart.

There's a little bit of a leaner smart with more althetic ability, which would mean I will love the shit out of him lol
 

Eddie Jurak

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One of my favourite scouts @polarfall on Twitter described zhaire defense potential as Bradley on ball and smart off ball (which I thought you guys would understand better than anyone).

Which is kind of crazy but I see it.
The on ball is so active and annoying, hands and feet.
The off ball I see more as that ability smart has to guard much larger players effectively (more than general play). As highlighted by playing the 4 in college. The clips show a lot of big players thinking they have a missmatch and getting nowhere which does really remind me of Smart.

There's a little bit of a leaner smart with more althetic ability, which would mean I will love the shit out of him lol
Taller than Bradley though, right?
 

Reverend

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One of my favourite scouts @polarfall on Twitter described zhaire defense potential as Bradley on ball and smart off ball (which I thought you guys would understand better than anyone).

Which is kind of crazy but I see it.
The on ball is so active and annoying, hands and feet.
The off ball I see more as that ability smart has to guard much larger players effectively (more than general play). As highlighted by playing the 4 in college. The clips show a lot of big players thinking they have a missmatch and getting nowhere which does really remind me of Smart.

There's a little bit of a leaner smart with more althetic ability, which would mean I will love the shit out of him lol
Depending what he means by being like Smart off-ball, if it's true, it might be even better than you indicate. Smart, as I understand it, has a genius for spacing off the ball that is beyond my real understanding of the game--I can glimpse it when I look and just watch him, but that's about it. If that's what the scout means as part of his game, that strikes me as huge given today's game.
 

LondonSox

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Taller than Bradley though, right?
Yes couple inches (6'4 ish vs 6'2 ish) and then another couple inches on wingspan (so like 4" ish wingspan).

Depending what he means by being like Smart off-ball, if it's true, it might be even better than you indicate. Smart, as I understand it, has a genius for spacing off the ball that is beyond my real understanding of the game--I can glimpse it when I look and just watch him, but that's about it. If that's what the scout means as part of his game, that strikes me as huge given today's game.
I think he's talking awareness and rotations which is for sure part of smart. But smart is also like an unmovable object which also matters.

In the tape you can see him rotating and filling in and recovering. Smart appears places you don't understand why. I'm not sure zhaire is that. But he's still 18.

The reason I get excited is his BBIQ plus effort plus althletic ability is pretty rare at his raw age. You see a lot of amazing althletes just act clueless and just want to dunk and block everything.
 

Reverend

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Yes couple inches (6'4 ish vs 6'2 ish) and then another couple inches on wingspan (so like 4" ish wingspan).



I think he's talking awareness and rotations which is for sure part of smart. But smart is also like an unmovable object which also matters.

In the tape you can see him rotating and filling in and recovering. Smart appears places you don't understand why. I'm not sure zhaire is that. But he's still 18.

The reason I get excited is his BBIQ plus effort plus althletic ability is pretty rare at his raw age. You see a lot of amazing althletes just act clueless and just want to dunk and block everything.
An immovable object force of nature that appears in just the right place for reasons nobody can explain is one of my favorite descriptions of Smart I've heard yet.
 

BigSoxFan

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So...LeBron to LA and Kawhi wants to join him. George stays in OKC. Cousins still out there but not a need or fit. Doesn’t look like that 3rd Star is coming, which means that the Sixers will probably bring Redick back on a 1 year deal and maybe a guy like Avery Bradley if he’d agree to the same.

Embiid / Holmes
Saric / Bolden?
Covington / Smith / Anderson
Redick? / Luwawu
Simmons / McConnell / Fultz

Still a very good starting lineup but bench needs more scoring. I’m really curious what Sixers do going forward. This team really needs Fultz to get fixed.
 

LondonSox

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Redick back today 1y 12 or 13mm I forget.

I think they need a vet wing, eg Ellington, and a back up big, O'Quinn has been mentioned or amir back cheaper both make sense.

Korkmaz is there too (and has been playing great offensively in fiba, I am a fan)

Also shamet and Milton will be in the mix. Shamet likely gets a rotation spot. Milton maybe to the g league.
I think there could be some super bargains, because there are players left and not much money
Evans could be a bench guy too.

I am disappointed but in no way shocked about LeBron. I think he isn't focused on more titles tbj and if this is his GM work going on UGH.

Kawhi is still a great fit and if the price is sensible I think they might try and and move for him. I think the west is brutal and if the sixers and Celtics run the east (without Kawhi clearly it's Celtics head and shoulders above) and if he's competing with a title on a good fun young team maybe you can get him to stay. Esp if the Lakers are a clown car.

I think the Spurs keep him tbh but if he goes for a not dumb price I hope the sixers are in

But if they do nothing major you need a Fultz rebound. Still they are probably the third best team in the east, and more natural upside (development of very good young players) than the raptors.
 

cheech13

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The Philadelphia 76ers have been rebuffed in their attempt to hire away Houston's Daryl Morey to take over as their new general manager, @NYTSports has learned
 

LondonSox

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I think Morey kind of made sense as a why not see what they say.
But I mean hardly likely given Hinkie quite aside from why would he leave Houston.
But new owners and some rumblings around so eh
I wonder if they sniffed around and Houston was offended and leaked it as payback.

Seems bad first thing to be heard about the search though lol