[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

 SCENARIO 1:  The Dream

Step 1:  Saric + Covington + Lakers 2019 First for Kawhi, OR, Fultz + Covington + Lakers 2019 First for Kawhi, or all 4 for Kawhi.

Kawhi is an amazing asset and an ideal fit with Simmons and Embiid.  Kawhi can get his own shot, RPM of 15, 8, and 7 his last three seasons.  All-NBA, first team defensive player in the league.  What can other teams offer that the Sixers can match, we are talking a top 5 player in the league when healthy.  The truth of 2-way players.  I don’t think playing with Pau Gasol and Lamarcus Aldridge excites this guy, he’s ready for a change.  Come to Philly Kawhi.  Covington is a top 3 swingman in the NBA by advanced stats.  If Fultz shot is worrisome, Saric is the European style of player on a great contract that should definitely entice San Antonio.  Its not a bad haul plus the Lakers pick, throw in Philly’s own if needed.  

Step 2:  Lebron James.

Yeah I’ll get negged, but I’d say about 30 of my negative points have come for making the case for Lebron James to sign here.  This is before Ben Simmons played a game, before Fultz was drafted, before JoJo was the force that he is.  Now obviously its the hot topic being discussed in Philly and nationally, but people on here laughed at the thought.  Now, polled NBA players want to see Lebron in Philly less than they want to see Lebron in Golden State.  Lebron gets to play with up and coming talent, and possibly Kawhi Leonard.  Clear the cap space.  You get Kawhi, you def get Lebron, and with Lebron you get title chasers.    

Can you imagine…

Ben Simmons PG  — RPM 2.85 — Wins 7.36

Kyle Korver SG   — RPM 1.96 — Wins 3.91 (plug in whoever, who cares!)

Kawhi Leonard SF -RPM 7.08 — Wins 15.53

Lebron James PF –RPM 8.42 — Wins 20.43

Joel Embiid C    — RPM 4.85 — Wins 7.01

This could be one of the best teams ever, a slight decline of Leonard and James, with a slight increase of Simmons and Embiid.  Surround this team with any ring-chasing knock-down shooter.

SCENARIO 2:  No claw, no king, no top FAs, no problem.

I find it very unlikely that Paul George and Klay Thompson will sign in Philly.  If the above dream scenario doesn’t work out (you’d hope you could at least acquire 1), but if you get none of the above, Kemba Walker or Khris Middleton would be fine consolation prizes.  The Sixers need to spend either this year or next.  If Lebron and Kawhi don’t happen, you have other nice fits, like two names listed. 

 

SCENARIO 3:  Draft  

This is related to scenario 2 since you still have the Lakers pick.  Now, you still need to find the right prizes in the draft.  

Most likely, the Sixers are picking at 9 or 10, at this point I’d say 10, with even 11 or 12 a possibility with the Lakers playing with nothing to lose (trying to look good to attract Lebron), probably wanting to stick it to the Sixers. 

The way the draft is going, 1 – 8 takes out Doncic, Porter, Ayton, Bamba, Young, Jackson, Bagley, Wendell Carter.  All of these players will be gone before the Sixers pick (stinks because I would take any one of them).  Fortunately, the Sixers have plenty of options at least one of which should be available.  

Collin Sexton – like his defensive tenacity and ability to score off the bench for Philly.

Mikal Bridges – a really nice fit at the 2 spot, a + defender, solid shooter, with + athleticism.

Lonnie Walker – brief splashes of undeniable talent.  A local kid.  He should be available with the Lakers pick and Philly needs to grab him if he’s there.

One of these three will definitely be there with teh LA pick.  Lonnie Walker may be the guy with the highest upside.  Even Miles Bridges may not be a bad pick due to ++ athleticism, may give you quality scoring/energy off the bench.

 

Let’s hope Bryan Colangelo makes some or all of these happen.

[The GoatParticipant]

 This is the time.  After this season,  they have Simmons and Embiid both potentially dominant players and with that little bit of experience to know what’s expected now,  probably also with a taste of the playoffs.  Saric is also very skilled and a capable player.  Covington has maintained good play, coming from nothing.  The team has cap space, what are likely to be two high first rounders and Markelle Fultz. If they arent positioned for a run, no one is. These  off-season decisions are key. Id personally try and move the picks and Fultz for a b ig time star as well as signing a second one with the cap space. Importantly though,  they need capable role players around them.  I see Ilyasova and Bella on board d,  which is good,  they are capable and can be productive.  To me,  getting hold of Klay and Kawhi would be the dream, putting them with Ben,  Joel and Dario. Its not realistic getting one of those guys let alone both though. I was laughed at in the draft saying to trade Fultz for Jamal Murray. I think Philly would love it now. Middleton would be a fantastic guy to get. Underrated, butter from mid range, good passer, hits the three, defends 3 positions. I think Paul George will only either end up in LA or stay in OKC. Lebron is obviously #1 but Simmons will regress being off the ball. I cant see it jappening anyway. Perhaps CJ McCullom is the best target. Portland can get the depth they need through a deal with Philly 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

I actually have the same reservations about Lebron especially with his and Ben’s shooting and the lack of floor spacing.

BUT, I recently saw a Bill Simmons George Gervin interview.  It wasn’t dated but Iceman but the Warriors weren’t mentioned at all so I think it was pre-warriors hysteria.  Basically, he said he the 3pt shot didn’t exist, but even if it did, he would Never shoot it because he thought it was the worst shot in basketball.  Simmons said you could probably get an 18 footer anytime you wanted, and Iceman said why would I ever shoot an 18 footer when I know I can knock down a 12 footer and get my shot off.  If thats not one of the baddest things I’ve heard, I dunno what is.  This guy was a scoring champion and could drop 50 on you in a game without thinking.  50 points, without a 3 point line, that is efficiency and fundamentals at its finest.

So I woudln’t be too worried about Lebron and Simmons.  That team above would simply overpower other teams.  I think Simmons will get his midrange and paint stuff and only improve on it.  I think his size and around the rim stuff already makes him seem like a hall of fame level player, on half a season potential.

Plus Lebron is Lebron man and the guy is a force and makes every team better, the new Cleveland additions is freaky good.  He can take over games as needed and this would be one of the most talented teams he’s been on.  You saw him get tired in the Finals and he’s basically an automatic favorite to get to the Finals wherever he is, and carries most of the load, he woudln’t have to do as much in Philly.  He has the highets IQ, and like Larry Bird can literally remember plays in sequence in games.  If you can add Lebron, you roll with any negative consequences and add him.  He never gets hurt, he’s a freak.

I agree Klay and Kawhi looks better on paper.  And the team would still be missing that Kyrie-ish slasher scorer, but you can add anyone looking to win a ring and play a role.  People also argue to want to win with their own guys.  But Lebron is Lebron.  

Lebron will never pass Jordan even if he goes to Philly and Houston and wins multiple rings, unless he remains the alpha as he gets 6+.  Let’s see.  

 

 

 

 

 

  

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 No the only star I think the Sixers should consider trading for is Klay Thompson.  The only star I think the Sixers should consider signing in FA is Paul George.  Other then that I’m fine with letting Embiid and Simmons just develop together with really great role players and hope Fultz gets back on track.  Embiid has been playing like a top 5 player already and was close to winning ASG MVP.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Wow, Klay Thompson would be AMAZING for the Sixers.

Ironically, two other Sixers would fit in great, too.  

The fourth horseman, Draymond Green, would be a PERFECT complement to Joel Embiid inside.  He can play the man defense inside on the opposition’s top interior threat, and allow Embiid to be a weak-side shot blocker.

With a Big Four of Embiid, Simmons, Klay, and Draymond you don’t really need much else although Robert Covington would be a great fifth option.  If they can’t keep him, I have another Warriors guy I like, if only as a deep bench rotation guy — Iggy.  He was good for Philly years ago and he is an important bench cog for the Warriors now, even if he isn’t in peak form.  He could be a really good 8th man for Philly and probably even start with that potential new big four.

IF the Warriors lose, maybe they switch things up a bit, especially if they think they can’t hold the entire core four together.

Saric, Fultz, (even Covington), and their two first rounders this year are imminently expendable to get an IDEAL third guy in Klay Thompson, and an IDEAL fourth guy/option in Draymond Green.

If Philly does that then maybe they try to keep TJ McConnell.  They can go with a conventional backcourt of TJ and Klay, and move Ben Simmons over to the 3 in a Greek Freak type role.  Draymond Green and Embiid do it all inside…

They can restock the bench with bargain basement free agent veterans, G League types, and second round picks.

The Warriors reload around a Steph Curry-Kevin Durant Axis with the pick ups from the Sixers (Fultz, Saric, Convington, Reddick, two first rounders), key GSW bench guys/role players like Pachulia, McGee, McCaw, Jordan Bell, and Shaun Livingston.  Also look for them to get a mega free agent.  I think Paul George could then go to the Warriors.

Then Philly would have a starting five of Steph Curry, Durant, Paul George, Saric, and McGee/Pachulia.  Jordan Bell would be a potential death lineup guy as would Pat McCaw or even Robert Covington.  I coudl see Nick Young sticking around as a proven shooting guard.

By the way the Warriors STARTED in Philly (or at least had a stop in Philly), so the Philadelphia Warriors (with Klay, Dray, and Iggy joining Embiid/Simmons) would be paying homage to the past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Actually, Paul George would be an interesting option for Philly, too.

Probably the best third option out there for them.

He can be their top gunner on the wing and a top shelf defender.

If they wanna go with a big, long, mulitdimensional team then a Big Three of Embiid, Simmons, and PG13, along with Saric, Fultz, Covington, McConnell, and their picks.

If those guys show up, and if Fultz shows us ANYTHING then that Philly squad looks like the favorites to win the East next year.  Not sure Boston has enough size.  Not sure the Cavs can put enough around LeBron even if they keep him (unless they show us all something this year and at least get to the Finals).  

 

 

 

 

[holefillers1Participant]

 Word is LeBron was spotted checking out private schools in the Philly area…Dear Mr James, Westtown School produces ballers.

[HitsterParticipant]

Get first pick this year via Lakers, get first pick next year via Kings and complete process that way.

[Author]

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