2030-31 76ers Pre-Season Press Conference

[Keepit100]

Good morning from the City of Brotherly Love

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Keepit100, and I am the new GM of the Philadelphia 76ers. Over a couple of beers (and some surprisingly good seafood pizza w/ a side of Caesar) with my new friend, GM AngryBanana of the OKC Thunder I learned about the PBSL and am excited for this opportunity in Philadelphia.

Before I get started about my expectations this season, I wanted to address some of my front office decisions this past offseason. Faced with a potential luxury tax bomb I decided not to re-sign Oliver Dennis and Modestine Degrimonpon. It is always a difficult decision to let previous 1st round talent walk out the door, but I decided that the long-term future of the team needed a clean slate. This would allow me to build a team from the ground up beginning next year. Only time will tell if my frugal ways and scouting acumen will yield a fruitful return, but I was pleased to acquire some draft capital in exchange for Dennis, including Houston's 2031 1st round pick. I am happy that both guys found great landing spots in Texas and wish Modestine and Oliver best of luck as they enter the prime of their careers and look forward to facing off against them in the years to come.

Now, onto 2030-2031 76ers basketball. As you probably know, the 76ers revolve around Udoka 'Doc' Azubuike. Doc's meteoric rise to the upper echelons of talent in the PBSL has been nothing short of amazing. He has improved his scoring every year and as is now the leading scorer on the team, averaging 22.5 ppg. An absolute beast in the paint, we expect Doc to continue his offensive prowess as he leads the team and hope those extra hours in the gym this offseason will carry over to the defensive side of his game, making him an all-around talent.  Doc was awarded an All-League Third Team nomination last season, and we are excited to see him continue to develop into one of the league's marquee superstars this year.

Behind Azubuike, Cheick Diallo and Glen Sabo will provide support on the wings.  Both men are hybrid forwards and are able to play both the 3 and 4 in today's game. Diallo has been flirting as a 20/10 contributor for several years now while Sabo will crack the starting lineup after a promising, but up-and-down rookie year.  We hope to see Sabo contribute solid minutes and expect to see a significant rise in his scoring like he demonstrated during his Georgia days.  We are also excited to introduce our newest addition, 1st round pick Durant Badham.  Originally from across the pond in the UK, Badham played at Clemson, and we hope to see him contribute off the bench as a rotational big later this season.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not mention an individual who will be celebrating a personal milestone this season. I know the PBSL is a team-first league and there is no room for sappy stories, but I just wanted to highlight SG Markelle Fultz. Health-permitting, Markelle will be playing his 1000th game as a 76er this season. In a league full of 1st round busts and career-ending injuries, playing 1000 games in one city is a testament to good conditioning, luck, and most importantly skill. Markelle 'Make it Rain' Fultz has been the unofficial Mayor of Philadelphia ever since we drafted him #9 overall back in 2018. Loved by all Philadelphians, Fultz is a 7x All-Star, a 5x PBSL Defensive 1st Team member, and the reigning PBSL 3-Point Champion. Unfortunately Markelle suffered a significant setback this past training camp, but he is excited for the upcoming season and will contribute any way he can for his beloved Sixers. We will be celebrating his 1000th career game with a custom-made bobblehead and jersey for everyone in attendance, shortly after the All-Star Break. Additionally, we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 76ers club that won the 2010 PBSL Championship with a special reunion, featuring the entire team!  Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the celebrations. I want the city to remember the good times as we set forth a new path to bring championship titles back home to Philly.

Overall, I am excited to see this team in action and look forward to a challenging season ahead. Good luck to all!

Any questions?

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Despite his age and weakened athleticism, Markelle Fultz still put up very nice numbers in the preseason. Is this enough for him to retain his starting spot?

[AngryBanana]

Chet Youbetcha - Dimmadome News, two questions:

1. What do you expect out of your bench this year? You appear to be VERY thin outside of your three or four best players.

2. Have you had better pizza since the seafood pizza?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Keepit100]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Despite his age and weakened athleticism, Markelle Fultz still put up very nice numbers in the preseason. Is this enough for him to retain his starting spot?

Yes, we were very happy to see Fultz playing so well this past week. We are anticipating having him play starter minutes at SG for now, but we will continue to monitor him to see if a switch to 6th man is more appropriate as the season progresses.

[Keepit100]

Chet Youbetcha - Dimmadome News, two questions:

1. What do you expect out of your bench this year? You appear to be VERY thin outside of your three or four best players.

2. Have you had better pizza since the seafood pizza?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Chet - long time no see buddy! Hope all is well

Yes, the lineup is a bit too top-heavy right now. I'm hoping Candelaria can come in to spell Doc when the big man needs rest and offer a low-post presence. In terms of guard play, I hope that my 2nd unit can come in and play a slower-tempo pace to not get exposed by younger, quicker teams.

Great question - pizza here is just not as good anymore. I miss imitation crab pizza

[NickMalone77]

What would be on your ideal Philly Cheesesteak?

[false9]

What was the thought process behind the Haddock trade?

[Keepit100]

What would be on your ideal Philly Cheesesteak?

easy - Wiz wit

No american, no provolone - just wiz

[Keepit100]

What was the thought process behind the Haddock trade?

Good question - Haddock has some raw talent, and there was some internal debate here at HQ about finding more playing time to see what the future held for him. We got a glimpse during preseason and results were mixed.

I had the intent to give him a couple more weeks to see if there was something but a deal came across that I think mutually benefits both sides. I am excited to see what Joe Delong now brings to PG and welcome our newest addition Tyron Ferris aboard. Glad to always get another veteran to teach our young guys.

Good luck to Gregory down in New Orleans!