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To the Editor:
What’s the Sixers’ general manager thinking?
For the 76ers, when it comes to on the court play there is certainly a lack of positive talking points. On Feb. 24th, the Sixers lost to the Milwaukee Bucks, who on game-night had the worst record in the NBA. These days in Philly when fans get together and talk about the Sixers, the conversation gravitates towards potential draft candidates and moves the organization is making off the court. Should they have let go all of those players starting with Jrue Holiday on draft night, and did the team get a good return on their trades?
Last May, Sam Hinkie took over as general manager and president of basketball operations. The team’s last playoff appearance was Game 7 of the 2012 Eastern Conference semifinals against Boston. It was a Cinderella run that season, and one cannot forget Andre Iguodala jumping onto the scorer’s table at the Wells Fargo Center celebrating the teams first playoff series win since 2003 as the team moved past the Bulls on to the second round. It was only the fifth time in league history that a No. 8 had beaten a No. 1 seed.
The team has a large amount of cap space available heading into next season to go along with the draft picks from what’s hyped-up to be an historically deep and talented draft class. Is Hinkie going to be able to convince a coveted free-agent to sign a contract, and which veteran players is he targeting to be a part of the teams long-term plans? Teams don’t win NBA championships without veteran leadership, and the majority of sought-after veterans are not interested in being a part of a rebuilding project. On Feb. 27th, the Sixers agreed to a buyout deal with Danny Granger.
As a fan, I wonder how much patience Hinkie expects 76ers spectators to have as he figures out what the master plan is going forward as he attempts to build the team back up into being a contender. All too often Sixers fans have been sold this story before, yet no management group in the team’s recent era has been able to deliver on its promises. Especially in Philly, the formula of a bad team and free hot dogs is not going to fill the seats.
Jason Kaye
Northeast Philadelphia
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