As the 2018-2019 NBA season came to an end, the Philadelphia 76ers were on the brink of greatness. With a talented core in place, led by their new General Manager Elton Brand, the Sixers were poised to make a run for the championship.
• PREVIOUS REWINDS
• The summer of 2016 changes everything as new era begins
• Bryan Colangelo swings trade for Markelle Fultz in 2017 as team ramps up pursuit of contention
• After breakout season, team trades Mikal Bridges, misses out on LeBron James in 2018
Despite a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs to the eventual champions, the Toronto Raptors, the Sixers had one of their best seasons in over 15 years. But the real turning point came in the following summer when the team underwent a major overhaul that would reshape their future.
Let’s take a closer look at the pivotal offseason of 2019 that altered the course of the Sixers franchise.
NBA Draft
Heading into the 2019 NBA Draft, the Sixers were desperate for depth after a lackluster bench hurt their playoff run. With multiple picks in the top 35, they had a golden opportunity to bolster their roster with young talent. However, their draft night strategy did not go as planned.
The team’s eagerness to select Matisse Thybulle was no secret, but it backfired when the Boston Celtics outmaneuvered them to secure him. Despite some promising picks later on, the Sixers emerged from the draft with only one player, failing to address their crucial need for depth.
Free agency
With key players hitting free agency, the Sixers faced tough decisions. While securing Tobias Harris for a lucrative deal seemed like a good move at the time, it ultimately backfired as his performance failed to live up to expectations.
The departure of JJ Redick and the trade of Jimmy Butler marked a shift in the team’s direction. Adding Al Horford to the mix raised eyebrows across the league, as the Sixers aimed to build a unique and versatile lineup around their star players.
However, the new roster chemistry did not translate on the court, leading to a disappointing season and an early playoff exit. The team’s inability to find the right balance and optimize their talent became glaringly evident.
Results
Ultimately, the 2019-2020 season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows for the Sixers. Despite high expectations, they fell short of their championship aspirations, highlighting the flaws in their roster construction.
As the offseason approached, the Sixers faced a crucial period of reflection and restructuring. With changes in coaching staff and player personnel on the horizon, the team aimed to learn from their mistakes and rebuild a competitive lineup for the future.
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