Daryl Morey Has Saved Philadelphia
After getting swept out of the 2020 Playoffs, the 76ers were in a dark place. They had gone all in for nothing, and had nothing resembling a future now that they were paying everybody. Their roster was flawed and they needed to make big changes in order to be back in the top of the Eastern Conference. And Daryl Morey has brought those changes, changing this roster in a hear-beat. Now the 76ers are in a much better place than just 2 months ago. Here’s what Daryl Morey did to save this franchise.
2020 NBA Draft
The 76ers had a very busy 2020 draft, as they had 3 picks. The 76ers (Morey) knew what they wanted coming into the draft, and they made sure they got plenty of it. That thing being shooting and shot creation, something that the 76ers desperately need, especially the shooting. The 76ers had a late first round pick and two 2nd round picks, a chance to cash out big. And they did.
#21 – Tyrese Maxey
#49 – Isaiah Joe
#58 – Paul Reed
With the 21st pick, they selected the quick guard from Kentucky, Tyrese Maxey. Maxey was an excellent scorer, even though his jumpshot isn’t perfect. But most people believe that he can work to develop a great 3-point shot, alongside his natural scoring ability. This pick could cash out big for the 76ers.
With the 49th pick in the draft, they selected sharpshooter Isaiah Joe from Arkansas. Joe was a great 3-point shooter from Arkansas, even if he was a bit inefficient. He shot 10+ 3’s per game during his sophomore season, something which won’t happen on the 76ers. I think that Joe has a smooth stroke and can help this 76ers team space the floor.
And with the 58th pick, Morey and Philadelphia got a steal. Reed was an excellent big guy for DePaul, but his game is great for the modern NBA. Reed is 6-9 and 220 lb, meaning that he isn’t tall, but can contend down low with his pure size. He averaged 15.1 points and 10.7 rebounds with 2.6 blocks and 1.9 steals per game during his junior year. He shot 52% from the field and 31% from 3, meaning that he has some form of a jumper, which is promising. I think that the 76ers got a real project guy here in Reed, a guy who can be really good down the line with some development.
The 76ers made some good choices during this draft. They got a natural scorer in Maxey, some shooting with Joe, and a real project player in Reed, somebody who can both sides of the ball at a high level. I think that the 76ers were one of the clear winners from this draft, and they did a good job finding guys that fit the mold of the team that they want to assemble.
Trading Josh Richardson For Seth Curry
Josh Richardson was acquired last offseason in the Jimmy Butler sign-and-trade. Richardson had breakout season with Miami during the 2018-19 season, as he averaged nearly 17 ppg. This seemed like a good move at the time for the 76ers.
But Richardson was one of odd-men out this past season with Philly. He never really got comfortable in his role. His stats took a major dip as he averaged 13.7 points on 43% shooting from the field and 34% from 3. Richardson definitely took a step-back and it was clear that he didn’t belong with the team.
Seth Curry has bounced around the league a lot, having two stints with Dallas and one with Portland in between. But Curry has shot 44% from 3 in his career, and is an excellent role player. And the 76ers did the right thing by trading for him.
While Richardson isn’t great off ball, Curry is. He is an excellent spot-up shooter and can create his own shot off the bounce. He will pair up nicely as he gives Embiid more room in the post and Ben Simmons has his new JJ Redick replacement. This was a great move by the 76ers as Curry might start or be the lead guy off the bench for this team. This was an excellent pickup by the 76ers.
Trading Al Horford For Danny Green
The 76ers made the mistake of paying Al Horford big money last season, and it was a massive fail. Horford went from being an All-Star level center to just being an afterthought with the 76ers. Horford averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds for the 76ers last season. He shot 45% from the field and 35% from 3. Horford definitely took a step-back with the 76ers, and they desperately needed to get rid of his massive contract.
Danny Green went from being one of the best 3&D players in the league, to being one of the most hated players in Lakers franchise history. Green didn’t shoot well at all during the playoffs, ruining the point of his role with the team. The Lakers shipped him off at first sight, sending him to the rebuilding Thunder. And the 76ers really wanted him.
The 76ers got Danny Green and Terrence Ferguson in return for the aging Al Horford. This was a solid trade from Philadelphia as they get some more back-court depth, and most importantly they get rid of Horford’s massive contract. Green could return back to his 2013 self, but I doubt it. But crazier things have happened and Green could actually help the 76ers with their shooting. But the biggest positive from this trade was getting rid of Al Horford’s massive contract.
Signing Dwight Howard
Since Joel Embiid became an All-Star, the 76ers haven’t had a great backup. This becomes a problem because Embiid has an injury problem, missing games almost every season. So having a backup is a pretty big deal for the 76ers, and they finally found themselves a suitable one in Howard.
Now Howard isn’t Orlando Magic Dwight anymore, but he is still solid for 10-15 minutes off the bench. Last season Howard averaged 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in under 19 minutes per game. Howard still has some game, even at the age of 34.
And Howard is an excellent lob-threat for the pass-first Simmons. So Howard provides some defense and rebounding off the bench and he gives Ben Simmons an extra tool. This was an excellent signing by Philly, as Howard can be a mentor of sorts for Embiid, and also serve as a solid backup. He can also start if Embiid gets injured, which unfortunately tends to happen a lot to the All-Star.
The 76ers made big strides this offseason. They got 3 nice pieces in the draft, traded Josh Richardson for the sharp-shooting Seth Curry, traded Al Horford’s massive contract for some more shooting in Danny Green, and finally gave Joel Embiid a suitable backup in Dwight Howard. Daryl Morey single-handedly changed this team and fast, making them far better than they were. Now the 76ers are in a much better place to succeed, now all that’s left is for us to see if these moves did anything to help the 76ers in the Eastern Conference.
Where Will The 76ers Finish In The East? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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