The Only Goal Is Winning A Championship (And Building A Dynasty), and the Sixers remain well-positioned to draft or develop a superstar.
- PhillySportsGuy

Like I have before, I will absolutely own it if I am wrong

This one, I don't think I will have to. I don't think Hinkie sees it to the end, and I have a feeling they will abandon course

D'Antoni coming in makes me think they use the rest of the season to look for deals, probably try to build around probably Okafor and whoever they get in this draft. But I think they are going to try like hell to win games next season and that the roster will look different, with veterans added via trade

Just my thought

I agree, but they also remain well positioned to continue to be an embarrassment.

Have they at any time been well positioned to draft or develop a superstar in the previous 3 years?
- MJL

My favorite thing is the number of NBA analysts who are quick to criticize the team, but if the GM job became available, they'd all give their left nut to get the job. They all love the assets, they just don't like the way they've been acquired.

Also won't be surprised if, depending on the moves they make, D'Antoni is coaching this team by midseason next year, if not before. Brown's extension is a golden parachute, I have a feeling

D'Antoni is a head coaching lifer. He's not an Associate Head Coach. That's not how that dude is wired

My favorite thing is the number of NBA analysts who are quick to criticize the team, but if the GM job became available, they'd all give their left nut to get the job. They all love the assets, they just don't like the way they've been acquired.
- PhillySportsGuy

Even if NBA analysts would like the job, that doesn't mean that the Sixers and Hinkie have done a good job. Fact is they haven't.

Also won't be surprised if, depending on the moves they make, D'Antoni is coaching this team by midseason next year, if not before

D'Antoni is a head coaching lifer. He's not an Associate Head Coach. That's not how that dude is wired
- AllInForFlyers

I think the timing of extending Brown, and then bringing in D'Antoni was not accidental. I think management thinks they need some help, but they are confident in Brown.

It would be, and I don't have an issue with anyone thinking the Flyers should make a pitch. Makes sense in some ways.
- MJL

Getting ryan johansen good, stamkos bad, is that right?

My favorite thing is the number of NBA analysts who are quick to criticize the team, but if the GM job became available, they'd all give their left nut to get the job. They all love the assets, they just don't like the way they've been acquired.
- PhillySportsGuy

I think what turns a lot of folks off is the degree to which they're blatantly tanking. Obviously the rules are set up to encourage this, but there's not even a veil of attempting to win in the short term.

I'm sure a prospective GM would love to step in and have building blocks and assets like Embiid, Okafor and Noel, plus the 4 potential top picks this summer, mountains of cap to work with and a real chance to put your own stamp on a team with little heavy lifting required to move out bad contracts or worry about how to add assets. It's better than an expansion team

Like I have before, I will absolutely own it if I am wrong

This one, I don't think I will have to. I don't think Hinkie sees it to the end, and I have a feeling they will abandon course

D'Antoni coming in makes me think they use the rest of the season to look for deals, probably try to build around probably Okafor and whoever they get in this draft. But I think they are going to try like hell to win games next season and that the roster will look different, with veterans added via trade

Just my thought
- AllInForFlyers

I think it would be pretty short sighted and unfair to fire Hinkie. He's proven to be pretty good at drafting and very good at making trades. Ownership just needs to tell him they want a team that is more competitive.

Hinkie went to the ownership and laid out multiple plans and gave them the likelihood of being successful (winning a title) of each plan. Ownership chose this plan. They need to own this just as much as Hinkie or even more to be honest.

I also think Okafor is a goner. His defense is a train wreck and I think the team wants to play with more pace, which runs counter to what Okafor does. I'm saying this in hopes that it prepares you for his trade. Lol

Getting ryan johansen good, stamkos bad, is that right?
- JoeRussomanno

No, that's not right Joe.

Even if NBA analysts would like the job, that doesn't mean that the Sixers and Hinkie have done a good job. Fact is they haven't.
- MJL

If you're basing their success on record, then, yes, youareright

I think it would be pretty short sighted and unfair to fire Hinkie. He's proven to be pretty good at drafting and very good at making trades. Ownership just needs to tell him they want a team that is more competitive.

Hinkie went to the ownership and laid out multiple plans and gave them the likelihood of being successful (winning a title) of each plan. Ownership chose this plan. They need to own this just as much as Hinkie or even more to be honest.

I also think Okafor is a goner. His defense is a train wreck and I think the team wants to play with more pace, which runs counter to what Okafor does. I'm saying this in hopes that it prepares you for his trade. Lol
- PhillySportsGuy

Man, I have zero faith in all of them. You're right about ownership, I'd fire Harris' sorry ass first via franchise revocation, if that was allowed. Hinkie shouldn't be the only one to go, or the first

To me, they all should go

Okafor -- he's young, but that dude's off-court poop is troubling. Not sure I even want to hitch a wagon to that dude

I think the timing of extending Brown, and then bringing in D'Antoni was not accidental. I think management thinks they need some help, but they are confident in Brown.
- MJL

Brown has some shortcomings as a gaymeday coach, but his developmental coaching and positive influence is imperative to the team. D'Antoni will help with play design and execution. He's an outstanding offensive mind. It will likely be a breath of fresh air to work with guys who want to be coached after his last two stints in LA and NY.

I think it would be pretty short sighted and unfair to fire Hinkie. He's proven to be pretty good at drafting and very good at making trades. Ownership just needs to tell him they want a team that is more competitive.

Hinkie went to the ownership and laid out multiple plans and gave them the likelihood of being successful (winning a title) of each plan. Ownership chose this plan. They need to own this just as much as Hinkie or even more to be honest.

I also think Okafor is a goner. His defense is a train wreck and I think the team wants to play with more pace, which runs counter to what Okafor does. I'm saying this in hopes that it prepares you for his trade. Lol
- PhillySportsGuy

I think there's a lot wrong here. First of all, how has he proven to be pretty good at drafting? Hinkie drafts a guard that couldn't shoot, in MCW, and then trades him because he couldn't shoot. Embiid may never play. Noel is okay, but is he ever going to be more than just a decent starter?
Are you seriously telling me that Ownership accepted a plan that would see the team 1-26 3 years into the plan? Hinkie is in charge of the execution. I think some of the recent moves, are an indication that they think some things need to change. Hinkie has made his fair share of mistakes.

Brown has some shortcomings as a gaymeday coach, but his developmental coaching and positive influence is imperative to the team. D'Antoni will help with play design and execution. He's an outstanding offensive mind. It will likely be a breath of fresh air to work with guys who want to be coached after his last two stints in LA and NY.
- PhillySportsGuy

Can D'Antoni's sets and preferences work with this roster, though? Is Stauskas capable of being more productive in more minutes, because his shooting is something that could fit?

I think what turns a lot of folks off is the degree to which they're blatantly tanking. Obviously the rules are set up to encourage this, but there's not even a veil of attempting to win in the short term.

I'm sure a prospective GM would love to step in and have building blocks and assets like Embiid, Okafor and Noel, plus the 4 potential top picks this summer, mountains of cap to work with and a real chance to put your own stamp on a team with little heavy lifting required to move out bad contracts or worry about how to add assets. It's better than an expansion team
- Jsaquella

Hinkie mis-calculated on several things. Expecting all of the injured guys to come back fully healthy was pretty stupid. I also think he assumed Okafor would be a net positive for the team. He's been a major net negative. The team is actually better when he's not playing. He's a developing rookie, so you have to play him big minutes though.

Man, I have zero faith in all of them. You're right about ownership, I'd fire Harris' sorry ass first via franchise revocation, if that was allowed. Hinkie shouldn't be the only one to go, or the first

To me, they all should go

Okafor -- he's young, but that dude's off-court poop is troubling. Not sure I even want to hitch a wagon to that dude
- AllInForFlyers

I'm more worried about him on the court than off the court, tbh

I'm more worried about him on the court than off the court, tbh
- PhillySportsGuy

That would be just perfect -- a lottery pick they didn't even want to make possibly can't defend well enough to help, though he is still developing

JFC. It's like a nightmare that won't stop

That would be just perfect -- a lottery pick they didn't even want to make possibly can't defend well enough to help, though he is still developing

JFC. It's like a nightmare that won't stop
- AllInForFlyers

0-3 so far with top picks? Doesn't that leave open the possibility that future picks won't pan out also?

Can D'Antoni's sets and preferences work with this roster, though? Is Stauskas capable of being more productive in more minutes, because his shooting is something that could fit?
- AllInForFlyers

Stauskas has been my biggest disappointment. He's supposed to be a great shooter, but he can't make anything. His defense is terrible, so when he's not making shots, he's barely an NBA level player. D'Antoni can't make open shots for them, but he can put them in better position.

0-3 so far with top picks? Doesn't that leave open the possibility that future picks won't pan out also?
- MJL

It's the vagaries of the NBA Draft -- that's what always worried me about The Plan. The NBA is a league where the talent just doesn't flow in each year, or even every two or three years

The Michael Olowakandis, the Anthony Bennetts...man, those guys are at the top of draft boards a lot more often than people want to admit

0-3 so far with top picks? Doesn't that leave open the possibility that future picks won't pan out also?
- MJL

Noel is a legit defensive stud who is built for the modern NBA (defends the rim very well and can switch onto guards and forwards), Embiid has top 10 potential and Okafor looks like a guy who can be a very good offensive player. It's not like he's drafted busts.

MCW was the 11th pick in a horrible draft. Not even sure any player from that draft will ever turn into a top 20 player, let alone the 11th pick.

Noel is a legit defensive stud who is built for the modern NBA (defends the rim very well and can switch onto guards and forwards), Embiid has top 10 potential and Okafor looks like a guy who can be a very good offensive player. It's not like he's drafted busts.

MCW was the 11th pick in a horrible draft. Not even sure any player from that draft will ever turn into a top 20 player, let alone the 11th pick.
- PhillySportsGuy

Gut opinion, then: Noel or Okafor, moving forward? Because you know it's coming to that

Edit: Though is D'Antoni's history is any indicator, he'd rather have the offense

Noel is a legit defensive stud who is built for the modern NBA (defends the rim very well and can switch onto guards and forwards), Embiid has top 10 potential and Okafor looks like a guy who can be a very good offensive player. It's not like he's drafted busts.

MCW was the 11th pick in a horrible draft. Not even sure any player from that draft will ever turn into a top 20 player, let alone the 11th pick.
- PhillySportsGuy

Noel was the 6th overall pick in the draft. You're looking for more than just a good defensive player, who puts up about 10 points and 7 boards a game. Embiid has to actually play to reach any potential. Okafor was drafted with the 3rd overall pick, and your already talking about trading him. Where is the evidence of how good Hinkie is at drafting?

Your point guard doesn't have to be a top 20 player, but you sure need one to help big men develop. Also need some veteran leadership on a team.

3 years into Hinkie's master plan, and the team is 1-26. Can't hide from that.

Gut opinion, then: Noel or Okafor, moving forward? Because you know it's coming to that
- AllInForFlyers

Noel 100%. He's better than Okafor by a significant margin right now. He's also more versatile. Okafor will need a specific set of players around him to be successful. Noel also won't cost as much to keep and he really seems to like being on the Sixers. He believes in the team. I've never gotten the sense Okafor wants to be here. Finally, I think Okafor would bring back a better package because he has the scoring ability other teams really covet. There will always be coaches who feel they can teach him and mold him into a good defender.

Gut opinion, then: Noel or Okafor, moving forward? Because you know it's coming to that

Edit: Though is D'Antoni's history is any indicator, he'd rather have the offense
- AllInForFlyers

I think he'd rather have Noel because he's more athletic