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Sixers Notes

06-27-2016

The offseason is here, which for some GMs, is the most exciting time of the year, a chance to build or rebuild their teams. Although the Sixers finished the season with the best record in the NLL, a heartbreaking loss in the 7^th game of the Conference Finals to the Boston Celtics has sent the team looking for ways to improve for next season.

As usual, the Sixers were busy on draft day, making a series of moves that landed the team picks #12 and #32 in a popular draft that was once derided a weak.

At 12^th the slot, the Sixers picked up intended target Domantas Sabonis, a sophomore out of Gonzaga. The son of legendary NLL player Arvydas Sabonis (a former Sixer), Domantas will likely spend his rookie campaign in the rotation, backing up LaMarcus Aldridge at power forward.

“Sabonis is a guy who gives 100% and we like that about him,” GM VT said. “The guy is such a hustler. He kills it on both ends of the floor. He is probably the best rebounder in this draft and he can run.”

Sabonis isn’t the most athletic specimen, however, and some critics feel his 6’ 11” wingspan may hurt him a little. He also can be too physical and draws a lot of fouls. The acquisition of Sabonis likely means the end of Luis Scola’s days in Philly.

“After seven years, it would be sad to see the big Argentinean go,” GM VT said. “Maybe we can work out a deal at the minimum so he can stay in town.”

At pick #32, the Sixers grabbed Vanderbilt big man Damian Jones in what looks like a redux of last draft where they grabbed injured big Kevon Looney at a late slot. Initially predicted to go in the teens, Jones slid down the board after a pectoral tear required surgery and months off the court. This where the Sixers swooped in.

“Without a pressing need, we decided to go with best available,” GM VT said. “Jones is the perfect NLL center for today. He’s tall, long and athletic. He can also shoot and block. What’s not to like?”

Critics feel that Jones suffers from the same problems that continue to plague future teammate Ben McLemore, a lack of focus and intensity. It will be up the Sixers’ coaches to bring Jones along and stop him from disappearing totally in games.

After the draft, the Sixers traded away two veteran guards. Mo Williams, acquired as a free agent last summer, was sent to the Miami Heat while Devin Harris, acquired in a trade, went to the Orlando Magic. Both trades helped the Sixers move further up the draft board. Point guard will be the team’s biggest issue to address in the fall when players begin to sign with teams.