Sixers: Trade Deadline/Player Updates & New Podcast

Now Departed Sixers: F Ilyasova (Left) and Nerlens Noel (Right).  Image Courtesy: SB Nation

      The 2017 NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone and the Sixers did not stand pat.  Philadelphia made moves to acquire assets and expand roles for players on the current squad.  With the 3rd worst record in the league, the Sixers were not looking to add any superstars such as Indiana Pacers SF Paul George or Chicago Bulls SF Jimmy Butler, but they were looking to help build for the future.  On top of the trade deadline, the Sixers made a couple of announcements within the past couple of days that will raise fan's eyebrows, and not for the better!

      But first with a Non-Sixers related point...I am happy to announce that last night, February 23rd 2017, The Small Ball Lineup made it's debut on Wildfire Radio!  You can catch myself, Keith Small, and Nick Granese live every Thursday Night at 9:30 PM on Wildfire Radio.  You can also stream/download every episode on our show's page in the link below.  Enjoy!

Wildfireradio.com/small-ball-lineup

Sixers Trade Ilyasova to Hawks

                 Philadelphia Sixers Receive                                 Atlanta Hawks Receive

                       F/C Tiago Splitter                                                 PF Ersan Ilyasova

                     2017 2nd Round Pick

              Swap of 2017 2nd Round Picks

•  The Sixers 3 games into this season acquired PF Ersan Ilyasova, and OKC's 2020 1st Round Pick for F Jerami Grant and ever since joining the team Ilyasova brought much needed veteran experience and made an immediate impact.  He played well most of the season, but my only true criticism I had of him was his shot selection late in games.  He has a short-term memory when it comes to missing a shot, but sometimes that can be a detriment late in games when a higher percentage shot is needed and hes taking a 17-foot jumper with :20 seconds left on the shot clock, but that's just me.  Anyway, the reason why he was parlayed to Atlanta was due to his upcoming Free Agency.  The move proved the Sixers were not willing to pay Ilyasova a big contract this summer that I believe will be in the range of $72 million over 4 years.  In return the Sixers receive Tiago Splitter, an aging, injury-plagued F/C who spent time with Head Coach Brett Brown from their days in San Antionio, and 2 2nd rounders.  The return isn't great, but it is a return as Splitter may never see the court and the 2 draft picks are back pocket assets.  The best part of this move is that the recently surging PF Dario Saric will see an expanded role and time as a starter, which I believe will be good for him experience wise but I see his best production coming as the 1st guy off of the bench who I predict will win the "6th Man of the Year" Award at least once in his career.  Trade gets PSS's Approval.

SSixers Trade Nerlens Noel to Mavericks 

                   Philadelphia Sixers Receive                                Atlanta Hawks Receive

                       G/F Justin Anderson                                               C Nerlens Noel

           2017 1st Round Pick (1-18 protected)..

              ...Most likely 2 2nds in '17 and '20

           C Andrew Bogut (Negotiating Buyout)

•  Essentially the beginning of the "Process", Nerlens Noel was the 6th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft where former GM Sam Hinkie made a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans that included G Jrue Holiday in exchange for NO's pick in which Nerlens was selected.  I loved most of Nerlens game; his speed, rebounding ability, defense, rim protection, and ability to run the fastbreak...his game, especially defensively, translated to the NBA, but his down-low shooting and scoring presence needed improvement.  The Mavericks get a great defender and rim protector in Noel and he will be missed in Philly.  Again, like Ersan, Noel was coming up on Free Agency and with C Joel Embiid, they have already identified him as the future Center of the team even with only 31 games of experience and they were not going to overpay Noel to be the back up Center, which he could get a deal in the range of $85 Million over 5 years.  Similar return as the Ilyasova trade but we just may see something out of the 3rd year G/F Justin Anderson who is said to be a great perimeter defender but needs work on his scoring ability.  I am very intrigued to see what he brings to the table.  PSS Approves of the trade.

Sixers Key Player Updates 

• GM Bryan Colangelo announced this morning that the 2016 1st Overall Pick in the NBA Draft G/F Ben Simmons will not suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, due to the Jones Fracture in his right foot not fully healing as soon as they expected.  A crushing blow for the team, even thought most of the fans had a general idea this was would be the case when he didn't step on the court in January.  It took me a while to come to this point because I wanted to see him on the floor this season but it is better for him to get healthy and not rush coming back for this season when there is nothing to play for essentially.
• C Joel Embiid will miss "at least" the next 4 games with continued swelling in his left knee, which there is a slight tear to his meniscus.  They "target" a return to the court date of March 4th against the New York Knicks, but I see that as doubtful and would not be surprised if he was shut down for the rest of the season, because again in the Simmons case, there is nothing for the team to play for so treat this as an audition for players on the team who want to be here next season.