NUMBER 2 – Trading Up to Draft Markelle Fultz
Clearly the Sixers have an issue drafting, this is a big problem when a team is purposely tanking. Bryan Colangelo in his infinite wisdom insisted on trading up with know snake Danny Ainge to draft Markelle Fultz. Many if not all were against not only trading up for Fultz but drafting him in general. Those voices were quickly proven to be right as there were many headaches to come.
Fultz suffered from a “mysterious injury” which was found to most likely be caused by an unreported motorcycle accident. Fultz also had many issues from forgetting how to shoot, to a very public disagreement with his shooting coach, to not even caring about the game and I could go on and on and on.
The Sixers gave Fultz every chance he flat out didn’t want it. Fultz showed the least character the NBA has seen in quite some time (Andrew Bynum) and it was a horrible disappointment for many involved.
What makes matters worse is that this draft boasted some incredible talent after Fultz. Jayson Tatum obviously is a star in the making. In addition, De’Aaron Fox is an incredible two-way point guard. Others include Lauri Markkanen, Luke Kennard, Donovan Mitchell, and John Collins.
This is the single worst draft choice in Sixers history as they drafted a bust, past over true stars, and lost a first-round pick all at once. It will be many years before fans are over this.
NUMBER 1 – The Andrew Bynum Trade
We have now come to what caused “the Process”. On August 10th, 2012 the Philadelphia 76ers, tired of mediocrity, attempted a bold splash in a four-team trade by moving star player Andre Iguodala to the Denver Nuggets while sending young players Mo Harkless and Nikola Vučević along with a future first-round pick to the Orlando Magic. Coming back to Philly was 24yo superstar Center Andrew Bynum from the LA Lakers and Jason Richardson from the Magic. The Lakers moved Bynum in favor of Dwight Howard from the Magic and gave up on a very young very talented Center. While Dwight Howard didn’t work out (at least his first trip there) the team was right to move on from Bynum.
Bynum was an expiring free-agent who had issues with his knees which is why the Magic weren’t interested either. The plan was for Bynum to recoup, work back into shape and become the superstar the Sixers felt they needed. That wasn’t the case as Bynum never took basketball seriously after coming to Philadelphia. True he did suffer setbacks but he didn’t do himself any favors during his time here. Bynum was unprofessional at every turn and never made wise choices to help his ailing knees. Bynum is one of the most infuriating players to ever be associated with the team but what made matters worse was the success of the players traded.
Andre Iguodala found his role and became an indispensable player who could do everything but didn’t need to score. Going on to win three NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors, “Iggy” also won Finals MVP and NBA All-Defensive First-Team honors.
Mo Harkless went on to become a fine role-player. Never a star, Harkless has become a dedicated and versatile defender, something every team needs.
Nikola Vučević has since become one of the top ten Centers in the NBA. Being named an All-Star last year, Vucevic has become known for his quality shooting and terrific rebounding.
All of these players would have contributed far more to the Sixers than Bynum did. This is one mistake that may never stop hurting.
Here’s to a better decade to come
There were many mistakes made during the 2010s, this Sixers team will forever be changed because of them. The future though is not as dark as these mistakes. The team is now led by stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, Elton Brand is the new GM and he has done a wonderful job so far. This team seems to be in good hands for the next ten years and it will be a wonderful trip, hopefully with a few championships along the way.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
