76ers 2033-2034 Press Conference

[Keepit100]

Another season is upon us folks

To recap last year - it was a tale of two seasons for Philly. Started 10-7, finished 20-62.

I decided it was time to blow it all up and start over. It took 2.5 seasons, but I have now 100% turned over the roster I was handed back in 2030. This will be a long rebuild, but I like a slow burn.

The roster blowup was highlighted by three trades, yielding the following:

Cliff Paugh ---> Miguel Thomas
Tyler Ulis ---> Colin Smallwood
Glen Sabo ---> future draft capital

And oodles of points

The youth experiment was an expected disaster, but there were some bright spots.

James Wiseman was inserted into the starting lineup almost immediately and held his own most nights - a lot of room for growth still, but I see him as a versatile SF/PF and the face of the franchise moving forward.

Colin Smallwood came out of nowhere to win Rookie of the Year, despite only starting for half a season. He was particularly adept at scoring around the basket and has a high motor for a big man. There is room for growth on the defensive end, but his offensive game is promising.

The draft yielded two more blue-chip prospects for the 76ers. I was fortunate enough to trade with Miami to land the #2 spot to draft Obi Toppin. Additionally, at #5 Cassius Winston fell into our laps, and I immediately drafted him as the future floor general of the 76ers. Both players have the potential to be high scorers and effective defenders so I look forward to deploying both early and often this season. Pairing them with Wiseman and Smallwood gives me my new foundation for the future.

Lastly, in UFA I was able to land 3 more players I expect will have meaningful contributions this season. Daniel Harrison returns for another shot to man the frontcourt. Norrin Radd who had a terrific training camp will be called upon to show Winston/Toppin the ropes in the backcourt. And finally Mo Bamba will immediately fill in at the 4-spot. I am expecting a HUGE year from Mo B

It will be another long year in Philly, but I really like the young nucleus that is coming into place here. Let's just see if I decide to blow it up again in a few seasons.

Any questions?

[Eazy P]

What are you plans for this current season? How many games do you see your team winning this season?

[false9]

What was the thought process in letting Josh Mitchell walk?

[AngryBanana]

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News: Of Obi Toppin and Cassius Winston, who do you view as the Pippen to Wiseman’s Jordan?


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[Keepit100]

What are you plans for this current season? How many games do you see your team winning this season?

experiment with the gameplan, collect some some bad contracts to get some points, let the young guys run wild. The usual around these parts

Thinking this squad can win 25-30 games, anything over 30 is gravy.

[Keepit100]

What was the thought process in letting Josh Mitchell walk?

Misread on my part for the contract offer - I left it to chance in RFA to let the market determine his value, but he ended up testing UFA. Based on the Thunder deal I was off by a few million in my initial offer, but it is what it is. It is not the end of the world - he was a late bloomer, and he showed some flashes but I am happy with what I got cooking here now. I wish him well in OKC, and I know he is in good hands over there.

[Keepit100]

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News: Of Obi Toppin and Cassius Winston, who do you view as the Pippen to Wiseman’s Jordan?

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haha - only one MJ/Pippen so I can't besmirch their good names.

Wiseman/Toppin will be their own dynamic duo - I see Winston as my new Mighty Mouse, maybe BJ Armstrong-lite

[JNR]

GWR: Mo Bamba seems out of place in a team full of young potential. What are you expecting from him on and off the court?

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Rumor has it, Wiseman's off-season focus is solely on the small forward position. How much should we expect to see him on the wing as opposed to in the paint?

[Keepit100]

GWR: Mo Bamba seems out of place in a team full of young potential. What are you expecting from him on and off the court?

Fair point. I've always been a big fan of the dude, and I'm pretty sure I bothered Wig about Bamba before his hiatus so I could not pass up an opportunity to snag Big Mo once he hit the market. It's a team friendly deal, and he fits an immediate need at PF so I see him filling up the box score much like his ATL days without skipping a beat. Off the court, I know it's not quite his native Germany, but Love Park hosts a great Christmas Village, imitating a German Christmas Market experience so I hope Mo feels right at home during the holidays.

All in all, I hope he stays here in Philly, but who am I kidding? If I see the right deal I'll pull the trigger. Sheck Wes knows what I'm talking about.

[Keepit100]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Rumor has it, Wiseman's off-season focus is solely on the small forward position. How much should we expect to see him on the wing as opposed to in the paint?

With Mo B sliding in at the 4, I think Wiseman's time in the paint will go down significantly for now. There is plenty of time to experiment as the season unfolds so it is a fluid situation. For now, he will be the starting SF when the season begins.

[NOLa.]

You’ve mentioned this team is young so I have to ask what’s the projected time period you have to where you think you can realistically compete for a championship? Will it take more draft prospects and time? Or do you envision trading some of these guys down the road to build a super team?


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[Keepit100]

You’ve mentioned this team is young so I have to ask what’s the projected time period you have to where you think you can realistically compete for a championship? Will it take more draft prospects and time? Or do you envision trading some of these guys down the road to build a super team?

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Competing for a championship will take a while if I keep developing this batch of prospects. I do see this group clinching a playoff berth by the end of Wiseman's rookie contract in 2035. Just gotta stay patient and bide my time.

[greepleairport]

Greeple here, live from the airport:

Colin Smallwood was the big 76ers surprise winning the rookie of the year award. Who might stand out and impress this year on the 76ers like Smallwood?

[Keepit100]

Greeple here, live from the airport:

Colin Smallwood was the big 76ers surprise winning the rookie of the year award. Who might stand out and impress this year on the 76ers like Smallwood?

I think it will be Cassius Winston - he had a great camp and was a little miffed that Miami and Detroit passed him over despite a need at PG. I think he will have a chip on his shoulder this season because of it, much to my delight.

[IamQuailman]

How long will you stretch out asset accumulation and switch over into compete now mode? As we’ve seen there is great reward but even greater risk with having a handful or more young players on rookie deals, such as the “who to insure” problem or guys hitting RFA all at the same time.

[Keepit100]

How long will you stretch out asset accumulation and switch over into compete now mode? As we’ve seen there is great reward but even greater risk with having a handful or more young players on rookie deals, such as the “who to insure” problem or guys hitting RFA all at the same time.

Good question - I think this year will say a lot about the team's direction moving forward. If the backcourt gels as I am hoping it will then I can start to transition to a compete now mode and target veterans that can supplement the team and help develop a competitive, cohesive team identity