Philadelphia 76ers Case Study

In addition, they still have decisions to make with Tyler Zeller and how to add rebounding next to Horford.

Robin Lopez (center) just recently signed with the New York Knicks, leaving the team without its top interior defender. Robin Lopez is the most replaceable out of the group, however, he was a great contributor to this team. He rebounded well for them last season and played great defense, but the Blazers can still find a replacement.

Carroll immediately becomes the Raptors' best perimeter defender, which isn't saying much considering who he finds himself surrounded with. As Eric Koreen of the National Post acknowledges, having the former Atlanta Hawk in the lineup will allow DeMar DeRozan to defend smaller wings, leaving tougher assignments for the more adept Carroll to tangle with on a nightly basis.

The 76ers will already improve with a lottery pick(Jahlil Okafor) starting for them next year. Jahlil Okafor was the third pick in the 2015 NBA draft and many consider him to be a potential All-Star. Pairing him with Nerlens Noel, who had an impressive rookie season, would give the Sixers a formidable frontcourt. They have the potential to be the next dynamic front court duo, similar to Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

It does not come as a surprise to see the Sixers pick up both players’ fourth-year options. They both played an integral role in helping the team win basketball games over the years and ultimately making the NBA playoffs this season.

Sacramento Kings DeMarcus Cousins was previously been in numerous trade rumors the past few months and then it just fades away. And now, Cousins is hitting again the trade buzz and looks like he is heading his way to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Carmelo Anthony still headlines the rumor mills that swirling the news as of late. After his controversial statement last Sunday, Anthony and New York Knicks president Phil Jackson was able to meet and Melo was able to say straight up to Jackson that he wants to remain with the team. But recent reports are saying that if ever things will still not pan out with Melo and the Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers could be a possible destination for him.

I preferred the Sixers come out of the draft with a guard with the potential of D'Angelo Russell or even Mario Hezonja

People might think that the 76ers are the laughing-stock of the NBA, however, the 76ers have more championships than twenty-four current NBA teams. The history is occupied with amazing moments and tremendous players such as Allen Iverson, Julius Erving, and Wilt Chamberlain. The 76ers haven't won a championship since 1983, however, this team has been indestructible in the effort they give every game.

The Milwaukee Bucks continue to struggle at the start of the regular season. And it seems that they are going to rebuild early on and unload some assets. Rumors are now spreading that they will finally trade Greg Monroe this time and looks that he is on his way to the Boston Celtics.

The biggest X-factor for the Sixers is second year big man Joel Embiid. Embiid is one of the rare players that has the distinct possibility of being out of the league or a top 10 player in the NBA five years from now. After missing his entire rookie season with a foot injury, Embiid will be forced to miss another season after aggravating his foot. It would be a big boost for the Sixers future if Embiid could come back and avoid being labeled the next Greg Oden. Despite not having Embiid’s services this season, the 76ers will still have two very talented young big men in Jahlil

Brook Lopez and the Nets give up the most points to the center position and it appears Drummond’s mid-January woes are over. He now has double digit rebounding games in two of his last three games, leading to what should be a monster double-double performance. With the cost, you will have to pick who you want to roster.

Even though the New Orleans Pelicans signed Anthony Davis to 5 year / 145 million dollar extension this past off-season. The Pelicans should strongly consider trading Davis within the next 2-3 seasons because Davis has missed at least 15 games in each of his first three seasons due to a number of injuries, which include sprained right shoulder, sprained MCL and a fractured left hand. If Anthony Davis continues to sustain injuries that force him to exit or miss games he will not be able to lead the Pelicans to any real team success. Real team success for the Pelicans would be winning 50-55 regular season games and making it pass the first round. For the Pelicans to achieve this goal they would need Davis 75 to 80 games without missing big portions of games to attend to an injury. Since the Pelicans do not have another impact player on their roster that can help them tread water until Davis.

Numerous reports also placed Cousins to the trading block. Reports that could send him to the Toronto Raptors and to the Portland Trail Blazers. But these trade rumors never occurred.

The Bucks are looking to unload both Monroe and Carter-Williams and the Kings are a prime destination. The captain of garbage time statistics, Carter-Williams, would thrive in Sacramento playing along side the offensive juggernaut that is DeMarcus Cousins.