The Latest on the Philadelphia 76ers
Sixers fans, you all can finally settle down and take a deep breath knowing the Boston Celtics did not win a championship this year. As a Philadelphia fan, it is always nice when a Boston team comes up short in any capacity.
However, it is important to stay humble as I cannot exactly talk trash as a Sixers fan. So, as you all known the Golden State Warriors are once again NBA champions as they defeated the Boston Celtics in 6 games.
Which now officially means, we are in the NBA off season. With the draft coming shortly, and the Sixers having a pick, it is time to get caught up on the latest Sixers news. As many of us are aware, the Sixers are quite literally in the news almost every day regardless of them having a game or not. Even though the team has only been eliminated for a little over a month, there are plenty of headlines to get to.
1. Sixers DO have a pick- Part of the Simmons/Harden trade with Brooklyn included a first-round pick. However, the Nets were given the option to have that pick be for this year’s draft or the 2023 draft. Brooklyn opted to pick in next year’s draft which the Sixers do have a pick at number 23 in this year’s draft.
2. Joel Embiid gets surgery- As any NBA fan knows by now, Joel Embiid is NO stranger to injuries. This postseason he tore a ligament in his thumb, broke his nose, and got concussed. According to Gina Mizell of the Philly Inquirer, on May 30, Embiid had surgery on his right thumb and left index finger. Luckily for the team, it is expected to have zero impact on his training camp availability.
3. Rivers returns- To no surprise of any fan of the team, Doc Rivers is officially returning as the coach of the Philadelphia Sixers for next season. Despite the MANY loud cries of fans all over for his firing, Daryl Morey is sticking with his guy and Rivers is back for the 2022-23 season.
4. Sixers shopping 23rd pick- In arguably the least shocking news so far, the Sixers and Morey have been shopping the 23rd pick in the draft. Keith Pompey has reported that since they were aware they had the pick, Daryl Morey began engaging in seeing interest in acquiring the 23rd pick. Which says one thing for sure, the Sixers want to win right now and see now need to bring in a rookie.
5. Danny Green up for grabs- It was heart wrenching to see a 34-year-old NBA champ tear his ACL in the playoffs. But that has not stopped rumors of his departure from Philadelphia. Many reporters and mock draft makers have produced trades involving Green and the 23rd pick. His $10 million contract for next season is non-guaranteed which makes it enticing for other teams. He is expected to return around the All-Star break next season, so there is hope he’ll play again.
6. Goodbye to Thybulle?- There is no secret Thybulle’s play this season on the offensive side of the ball made him unplayable. Despite tremendous defense, Thybulle has been a player that can no longer fit in with the Sixers style of basketball. Plenty of writers have come up with mock trades centered around Thybulle, once which included sending him to Utah and another involving Denver. Could Matisse be on his way out sooner rather than later?
7. Tobias in talks- Nothing is imminent and there has not been a trade request at any capacity. That aside, his name has been coming up as a possible trade piece for the Sixers to get a third star. Mock trades have been drawn up with Harris included involving players like Donovan Mitchell and Bradley Beal. Now I realize that is unfair swap, but in these trades, it includes players like Thybulle and believe it or not, Maxey. I would not be shocked if Tobias is traded this offseason.
8. James Harden to stay- Recent reports have come up that the Sixers are expected to retain Harden. However, as opposed to the potential five-year max deal that has been rumored, the latest talks are of a three year shorter term deal. Although nothing has officially been signed, it looks as if James Harden will be a Sixer in the short term future. It will be extremely important what the number is in terms of value, as Harden said earlier this year he was willing to do what it ever took to help the team win. For now, Morey appears to be sticking with his guy in hopes of getting him and Embiid that coveted first ring.
The Sixers have no doubt been the center of attention in the NBA, even with the NBA Finals going on. Between Joel Embiid’s surgery and the sudden fall off of James Harden, the league is looking at what they will do next. One thing is for sure, the Sixers MUST make multiple changes and moves if they ever want to see the NBA Finals. It should be one massively exciting off-season for your Philadelphia Seventy Sixers. If you want weekly updates and conversations on all things Sixers, make sure to check out “The Never Ending Process” show in the Sixers Fanatics Vibe on the Relevnt app. Oh and one more thing, Sixers fan or not, go watch the movie Hustle. As an NBA fan, you’re going to love it.
