76ers 2031-2032 Preseaon Press Conference

Keepit100 · Post by **Keepit100** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 3:05 pm

Hey everyone,

Back at it again - last year Philly had a tough year going 28-54 and missing the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. As GM, I take full responsibility for the product on the court and decided a complete overhaul was necessary for the team to try and develop a new winning culture.

I decided to not re-sign Hollis Wiley who ended up in Charlotte and passed on DAngelo Russell who ended up in Portland. The Sixers wish both best of luck in their new spots. With a 28-54 record the 76ers landed the fifth overall pick and selected Myles Powell, a freshman phenom from South Florida. Myles is a project for sure, and we figure to stash him for the time being as he continues to develop his offensive game. With some wheeling and dealing I landed 3 more 1st round picks (Oregon State PG John Blakemore at #19, PG Victorino Menendez from Alabama at #29, and SF Dannie Larrabee from Pepperdine at #30). I am excited for the young guys to join the team, but little did I know at the time that the roster overhaul was just getting started.

During UFA, the Sixers made several pitches and landed one of the coveted stars of the league with a max contract - Clifford Paugh. Additionally, we were able to land scoring phenom Tyler Ulis to add some championship winning veterans to one of the youngest rosters in the league. Outside shooting was sorely lacking last season and adding Paugh and Ulis definitely shores up this obvious weakness to combine with our 1-2 scoring punch in the paint with Udoka Azubuike and Glen Sabo.

Speaking of which, I'm happy to see the rapid ascent that Azubuike has made in the league. He made his first All-Star game as a reserve, was named to his second consecutive All-League Third Team, and led the league in blocks. Meanwhile, Sabo was named the PBSL Most Improved Player of the Year, and we are excited to continue building around this young nucleus.

Overall, I am excited for the 76ers' future. Get your popcorn ready folks. There will be some exciting basketball here in Philly as we compete for a playoff spot this season.

Look forward to answering your questions.

greepleairport · Post by **greepleairport** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:02 pm

With your added firepower from UfA acquisitions in Paugh and Ulis, will philly make the playoffs this year?

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AngryBanana · Post by **AngryBanana** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:06 pm

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News - Where do you rank Azibuke/Paugh in the rankings of one two punches?

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Keepit100 · Post by **Keepit100** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 8:14 pm

greepleairport wrote: Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:02 pm With your added firepower from UfA acquisitions in Paugh and Ulis, will philly make the playoffs this year?

I believe so. The Omega conference is a difficult one but seeds 6-8 (Clippers, Jazz, and Pelicans) are ripe for turnover. Dallas and Charlotte made significant gains this offseason too so it will be interesting to see 6 teams fight for 3 spots.

Keepit100 · Post by **Keepit100** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 8:19 pm

AngryBanana wrote: Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:06 pm Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News - Where do you rank Azibuke/Paugh in the rankings of one two punches?

Hey Chet - this year in terms of PF/C combos - I believe the Nets feature an impressive frontcourt with Simon Pheonix and Deuce Forte that would challenge Philly considerably. Last season, Sacramento and Utah also had very impressive frontcourts that have since disbanded.

In terms of 1-2 punches overall - Magic and Raptors are obvious frontrunners, but I think Sabo/Azubuike are striving to get closer to that kind of elite production.

garbageman · Post by **garbageman** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:38 am

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: The 76ers seem like they have a roster where half the players are ready to win now, and the other half are projects under development. What would you say the identity of this team is right now, and what would you like it to move towards as the season progresses?

Keepit100 · Post by **Keepit100** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 10:45 am

garbageman wrote: Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:38 am Sham Smith, Bulls.com: The 76ers seem like they have a roster where half the players are ready to win now, and the other half are projects under development. What would you say the identity of this team is right now, and what would you like it to move towards as the season progresses?

Definitely a team in transition - I see us contending in the next 2 years, however keeping the core together is realistically only feasible for another 2 years on top of that without paying the tax man. It is a tight window, but I hope the young guys grow up quickly to accelerate the process.

JNR · Post by **JNR** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 1:29 pm

Generic Wolves Reporter: This is the last year of Udoka Azubuike's contract. Is it a foregone conclusion that you will be keeping him in town next year, or are you going to keep your options open?

Keepit100 · Post by **Keepit100** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 4:43 pm

JNR wrote: Mon Dec 23, 2019 1:29 pm Generic Wolves Reporter: This is the last year of Udoka Azubuike's contract. Is it a foregone conclusion that you will be keeping him in town next year, or are you going to keep your options open?

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