Ever since the Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs, the team has set their sights on improving for the 2018-2019 season. The Sixers offseason thus far has seen the acquisition of a few players through the draft (Zhaire Smith and Landry Shamet), trades (Wilson Chandler), and player re-signings (JJ Redick and Amir Johnson). Also, the Sixers are without a GM following the Bryan Colangelo Twitter controversy, so coach Brett Brown has stepped in as the interim GM. All of these changes have made for a somewhat complicated offseason, but there are plenty more changes to make.
Star Hunting
This offseason, there was a lot of speculation around LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, and whether they would be joining the Sixers. Despite the Sixers’ attempts, James opted to join the LA Lakers on a four-year deal. Also, free-agent Paul George made the decision to re-sign with the OKC Thunder, and Aaron Gordon re-signed with the Magic, although they were not primary targets for the Sixers. Since then, the free agent market has been depleted. All the Sixers’ targets have been picked up, but talent in Dwyane Wade, Marcus Smart, and Clint Capela remain available.
A Kawhi Leonard trade still remains open for the Sixers. Playing only nine games last season, it’s widely known that Leonard and the Spurs are at odds. Many throughout the league believe that a trade involving Kawhi would be mutually beneficial for both parties. Trade targets have been changing, as new developments seem to roll out everyday. As of now, the most likely landing spot for him is the Raptors. If the Sixers do try to make a push for Kawhi, they’d likely have to give up a combination of Robert Covington, Dario Saric, and the 2021 unprotected first-round pick received from the Suns on draft night. A larger package, which would give the Sixers Pau Gasol, has also been mentioned.
In any case, the Sixers say they would be unwilling to give up Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, or Markelle Fultz. Aside from the question of who would be given up, the Sixers would also face the uncertainty of retaining Leonard. His contract is up following this season, so the Sixers would need him to restructure a longer deal.
GM Search
After the Sixers and Bryan Colangelo parted ways, Coach Brown took over the reins. This isn’t ideal for Philly. Despite being a good coach and having a great relationship with his locker room, the Sixers front office was hoping to use Colangelo’s league-wide influence to land a superstar free agent. Evidently, Coach Brown has not yet been able to acquire any big name players as GM. Also, handling coaching duties and GM duties could prove to be too much for the Coach. Therefore, the Sixers are in the hunt for a full-time General Manager. Many long-time “Process Trusters” were hoping for the return of Sam Hinkie, but after landing a job with the Denver Broncos, it’s EXTREMELY unlikely he’ll ever return to the NBA, let alone Philadelphia.
In a recent press conference, owner Josh Harris explained, “I think General Manager experience and a track record is a plus.”
This seems to suggest that the Sixers will try to make an outside hire. While no names have been brought up by the front office, David Griffin seems to be the best fit. Since the Cavaliers had failed to renew his contract last summer, Griffin has been considered for most GM openings. It’s possible that he takes another job, likely with Orlando, before joining the Sixers.
Another outside hire the Sixers may be looking at is Danny Ferry. Ferry has talked to the Sixers in the past, but they were never able to come to an agreement. Ferry would be a good fit due to his experience with New Orleans and Atlanta. He’s also worked for the Spurs and has spent time learning Brett Brown’s coaching techniques.
As for a promotion from within the organization, Marc Eversley is the top candidate. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of Player Personnel, but he has GM experience with the Wizards. Other internal candidates include Ned Cohen (Vice President of Basketball Operations) and Elton Brand (GM of the Delaware Blue Coats).
Player Development
While acquiring new personnel, the Sixers are also putting a heavy interest into improving their current players. Markelle Fultz, known for his crazy jump-shot antics, has been working with Drew Hanlen to improve his shooting. Hanlen is one of the top in his field, having helped numerous players throughout the league improve their shots.
Meanwhile, the Sixers are playing in the Las Vegas Summer League. In his first game, Furkan Korkmaz showed promising signs but has since cooled off. Rookie Zhaire Smith has been showing off his athleticism, and in usual Sixers fashion, rookie Landry Shamet got injured. He’ll miss the rest of Summer League rehabbing his ankle.
Embiid is up to his usual antics. A few videos have surfaced this summer of him dunking on trashtalkers in public parks and gyms.
For now, Sixers fans will have to wait and see what comes next for the Sixers offseason, but no matter what, they’ll keep trusting the Process.