What the reported interest from Anthony Davis means for the Sixers

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When New Orleans Pelicans’ franchise star Anthony Davis switched agents and decided to be represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, there was much speculation about a possible change in scenery in the near future. Many believe that Anthony Davis could request a trade sometime next season if the Pelicans don’t live up to expectations. A report from Get More Sports’ Chris Sheridan says that Anthony Davis is “eyeing” the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics if he ever decides to leave the Pelicans. The Celtics are reportedly the front runners, seeing as he’d be able to team up with his good friend, Kyrie Irving.

While the 76ers may not be the clear favorites to land the superstar big man, it still says a lot about the franchise that they are one of the teams on Davis’ shortlist should he ponder a move. At only 25 years old, Anthony Davis is already regarded as a top five power forward to ever play the game. A player of his stature and skill level rarely come around. For a player of his caliber to have the Sixers on his shortlist of potential suitors really speaks volumes to how far this organization has come.

It wasn’t long ago that fans felt demoralized by all of the tanking that the team went through. However, out of all of those miserable losing years, the Sixers managed to rise out of the ashes with two established franchise cornerstones in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

Simmons and Embiid are some of the brightest young stars that the league has to offer. Not to mention that the Sixers also have a healthy Markelle Fultz rejoining the team and a Croatian heavy hitter in Dario Saric. With that much young talent on the team, it’s no wonder that Davis is interested in potentially joining them someday.

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It isn’t only the young players that might be attracting Davis. The Sixers have also undergone a massive cultural change over the past few years. Brett Brown is widely respected around the league for his ability to get the best out of his players, no matter what the situation. He’s, as they say, a “player’s coach”.

The Sixers also recently appointed Elton Brand as their new General Manager. Brand, a former Sixer, is well liked and respected by executives and players alike. Having such a high character person leading your front office also has to be a factor in why the Sixers have caught Davis’ attention.

To have the Sixers be a potential landing spot for a superstar like Anthony Davis speaks volumes. If Davis is interested, other stars might be as well. If any lucrative player seeks a change of scenery anytime soon, which might not be too unlikely with the stacked 2019 free agent class rolling right around the corner, the Sixers will surely be in their sights. Anthony Davis’ peaked interest in them is proof of that.

 

 

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