By Mike Patterson
Sixers’ new GM, Sam Hinkie, is already shaking things up in Philly. And in a big way! Let’s hope this move turns out as well as the moves Hinkie made with the Rockets.
Many fans were sure that Nerlens Noel would be the top pick of the NBA draft.
However, the Cavs shocked fans everywhere by selecting UNLV forward, Anthony Bennet, first overall.
OK. The Magic are definitely going to select Noel. Nope. The Magic, Wizards, Bobcats, and Suns all passed on the Kentucky big man.
The New Orleans Pelicans finally scooped up Noel at the sixth spot.
Everybody knew the Sixers were desperate for a big man, and many mock drafts had Cody Zeller going to Philly. But he was chosen fourth by the Bobcats, so the Sixers knew they had to take a different route.
Thus the trade that shocked the NBA and its fans everywhere.
According to sources, the Sixers were looking to go young and rebuild a new roster, so whoever is named coach knows what he is going into.
Therefore, the Sixers traded their all-star point guard and top-scorer/passer, Jrue Holiday, and the 42nd pick in the draft for Nerlens Noel and a 2014 first round pick.
The effects of this trade will not be seen immediately in Philadelphia. Noel is coming off of a shortened season after a torn ACL will likely spend part of next season rehabbing.
Although he has proven himself defensively and on the boards, Noel’s offensive game is still under scrutiny. It is unknown how he will play against the big men of the NBA and his ability to score in the post.
Many experts are comparing Noel to the likes of Joakim Noah and Larry Sanders.
After this deal, this Sixers' lineup under contract for next year consists of Evan Turner, Thaddeus Young, Spencer Hawes, Lavoy Allen, and Arnett Moultrie.
The trade, however, left a gaping hole at the point guard position.
But the Sixers still had the eleventh pick in the draft. They used that pick on point guard Michael Carter-Williams of Syracuse.
MCW has great size for a point guard, standing at nearly 6’6’’. He also excels passing the ball, finishing inside, and on the defensive end. However, he lacks the ability to consistently shoot well, which could be a future issue.
After this deal, we can assume that Bynum will not be returning next year. But with Holiday leaving, so did his 4 year, $41 million contract.
With this newly freed-up cap space, expect Hinkie to utilize it and possibly sign a big name this offseason.
The Sixers also had two second round picks this draft. One of them went to the Pelicans, but they still had the 35th pick.
They selected Glen Rice Jr. of Georgia Tech with this pick. He was soon traded to the Washington Wizards for the 38th and 54th picks.
Sixers select South Dakota State point guard Nate Wolters (via Washington) with the 38th pick.
With the 42nd pick, the Sixers selected Pierre Jackson, and, pending NBA approval, he will be sent to New Orleans as part of the Noel/Holiday deal.
With the 54th the Wizards select Arsalan Kazemi from Oregon and he will be sent to the Sixers.
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