photo: philly.com Everyone has heard about the high-profile draft day move that sent Jrue Holiday, the teams' lone all star, to New Orleans. That franchise-altering day has been discussed to death. But there are other players that the Sixers lost to free agency that may also impact the future of the team.
Dorell Wright (Free agent to Portland)- Other than Holiday, the loss of veteran Dorell Wright will have the most effect on the Sixers. Wright was a much needed spark off the bench last season. The small forward averaged 9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds off the bench for his one season the Sixers. He finished 33rd in the NBA with 135 three-pointers made on 37% shooting from beyond the arc. It made sense to let the 9 year veteran walk as they look to rebuild, but he will be missed as the Sixers’ bench looks to be completely unproven.
Nick Young (Free agent to LAL)- Nick “Swaggy P” played in 59 games last season, starting 17 of them. He averaged 10.6 points on an unattractive 41.3% from the floor, but that’s what you have to expect from a streaky shooter like Young. He was forced into the starting shooting guard role when Jason Richardson went down for the season before getting hurt himself and missing games throughout the rest of the season due to nagging injury issues. Most would agree he did not live up to his preseason expectations and as he leaves for the Lakers, he will not missed as Philly rebuilds.
Andrew Bynum (Free agent to Cleveland)- I don’t think I have to say much here. Not surprisingly, Bynum won't be part of the team as Philadelphia rebrands its franchise. After being acquired in a multi-team, league-changing trade, Bynum did not play a single minute because of knee issues. The only thing he contributed to the team was unnecessary drama. Some fans will be haunted by ‘the season that could have been’. Others are happy to just move on. But I think we can all be thankful for all the Bynum jokes that have spawned from the situation. Now Sixers' fans can reflect and smile on the fact that we aren't stuck with him for another 2 years and losing over $24 million (Thank you Cleveland!). This will open up a great deal of cap space for next summer.
Damien Wilkins, Royal Ivey, Charles Jenkins, Justin Holiday (Free Agents)- This group of role players remain free agents and the majority will most likely not be resigned by Philadelphia. Ivey and Jenkins received playing time down the stretch of the season when Richardson and Nick Young were injured. Neither impressed enough to earn a contract at this point after neither averaged over 4 points or more than 2 assists. Justin Holiday, Jrue’s older brother, did play in the summer league, but will also likely not be resigned for 2013-2014. Damien Wilkins played in 61 games last season, starting 21, as he averaged an unimpressive 6.4 points, 1.7 boards, and 1.5 assists. The veteran only started out of necessity and although he often provided hustle and decent defense, I do not see the 33 year old being a part of the rebuilding process next season.
Stay tuned for 76er Offseason Acquisitions: coming to a computer near you soon!
By: Matt Ryan
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
Nick Young (Free agent to LAL)- Nick “Swaggy P” played in 59 games last season, starting 17 of them. He averaged 10.6 points on an unattractive 41.3% from the floor, but that’s what you have to expect from a streaky shooter like Young. He was forced into the starting shooting guard role when Jason Richardson went down for the season before getting hurt himself and missing games throughout the rest of the season due to nagging injury issues. Most would agree he did not live up to his preseason expectations and as he leaves for the Lakers, he will not missed as Philly rebuilds.
Andrew Bynum (Free agent to Cleveland)- I don’t think I have to say much here. Not surprisingly, Bynum won't be part of the team as Philadelphia rebrands its franchise. After being acquired in a multi-team, league-changing trade, Bynum did not play a single minute because of knee issues. The only thing he contributed to the team was unnecessary drama. Some fans will be haunted by ‘the season that could have been’. Others are happy to just move on. But I think we can all be thankful for all the Bynum jokes that have spawned from the situation. Now Sixers' fans can reflect and smile on the fact that we aren't stuck with him for another 2 years and losing over $24 million (Thank you Cleveland!). This will open up a great deal of cap space for next summer.
Damien Wilkins, Royal Ivey, Charles Jenkins, Justin Holiday (Free Agents)- This group of role players remain free agents and the majority will most likely not be resigned by Philadelphia. Ivey and Jenkins received playing time down the stretch of the season when Richardson and Nick Young were injured. Neither impressed enough to earn a contract at this point after neither averaged over 4 points or more than 2 assists. Justin Holiday, Jrue’s older brother, did play in the summer league, but will also likely not be resigned for 2013-2014. Damien Wilkins played in 61 games last season, starting 21, as he averaged an unimpressive 6.4 points, 1.7 boards, and 1.5 assists. The veteran only started out of necessity and although he often provided hustle and decent defense, I do not see the 33 year old being a part of the rebuilding process next season.
Stay tuned for 76er Offseason Acquisitions: coming to a computer near you soon!
By: Matt Ryan
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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