This is no joking matter. There's a slight chance the Philadephia 76ers can actually land Zion Williamson. How can that be? Well, thanks to some moves by former 76ers GM Sam Hinkie, the playoff-bound team out of Philly could be the surprise winners of the Duke standout sweepstakes this coming NBA Draft.
In 2015, Hinkie made a deal with the Sacramento Kings that provided the 76ers tons of options for the future. At the time, the deal favored neither team. Hinkie packaged Arturas Gudaitis and Luka Mitrovic to the Kings for Nik Stauskas, veteran big men Carl Landry, Jason Thompson, Sacramento’s 2018 first-round pick, and the right to swap firsts with Sacramento in both 2016 and 2017.
While the 76ers did get serviceable players in return, it's that 2018 first-round pick that is placing them in the Williamson discussion.
In a trade with the Boston Celtics last season, the Philadelphia 76ers made a deal that would send that same pick (protected) to the Celtics for the 2017 No. 1 pick. At the time it seemed like smart but now, it may cost the 76ers big time. But that's only if the Sacramento Kings don't win the lottery.
If the Kings win, the 76ers will have their shot at drafting Zion Williamson. If the Kings fail to come out with the No. 1 pick, then the Celtics own the Kings selection thanks to that dreadful Fultz trade. But let's have some fun here. What happens if the 76ers do get that top selection?
For starters, Elton Brand could possibly have the best starting unit in the NBA in 2019. A core of Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, and Zion Williamson will give any team nightmares, Yes, including the Golden State Warriors.
Now, what Brand can do to shake things up and save money is a sign-and-trade with Butler. As dangerous as this lineup would be, the 76ers would be in a financial hole moving forward. Butler will look for a max deal at the end of this season. The best option is to sign Butler then trade him for another shooter and draft picks. Sounds a bit far-fetched but, this will secure the 76ers' nucleus for the next five years.
Butler has been a nice addition, but adding Williamson will force Brand and Brett Brown to make changes to the roster.
For starters, the 76ers will have to convince J.J. Redick to take a reserve role. Then, they will be forced to offer Butler a huge contract right on the heels when Simmons is set to get a raise. For years, the 76ers have tight-roped their way to contender status by being smart with the books. However, winning brings top players which in turn means higher contracts.
Brand and Brown must decide which players will fit with Zion Williamson. Will it be swinging Butler over to SG, Harris to SF or moving Simmons to PF or SF? The issue here is that Williamson is not a shooter. The 76ers are currently 9th in the NBA in three-point percentage, but rank 20th in three-pointers attempted. With Williamson on board and Redick possibly gone, this will force too many bad shot attempts from Butler and Harris from the wings.
But on a brighter side, the Philadelphia 76ers will be one of the most athletic teams in the NBA. With Simmons flirting with averaging a triple-double this season, there's no reason to believe he can't obtain that goal with an explosive Williamson, Harris, and Butler on the wings and a dominate Embiid in the post.
Losing Redick will hurt their perimeter game. However, if young players such as Zhaire Smith and Shake Milton can contribute, the loss of Redick will not be felt as much.
As great as this core of new look 76ers may sound, they will need luck on their side. As it stands now, the Kings have a 0.5 percent chance of landing that coveted No. 1 spot. While all this sounds good for the 76ers, this could very well be a problem the Celtics find themselves in if that picks falls to No.2.
Follow Us
Subscribe