The summer of 2016 was a turning point for the Philadelphia 76ers. After a promising 2016-17 campaign that showed glimpses of a bright future, the Sixers’ front office led by General Manager Bryan Colangelo was ready to take the team to the next level. With star players like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons leading the way, the Sixers had high hopes of becoming a sustainable playoff team for years to come.
Sixers Offseason Rewind: Summer of 2016 changes everything as new era begins
NBA Draft
One of the most significant moves of the summer was the trade with the Boston Celtics to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. This bold move allowed the Sixers to select Markelle Fultz, a dynamic guard from Washington, who was seen as the perfect fit alongside Simmons and Embiid. While the trade didn’t pan out as expected, with Fultz being traded after just 33 games, it showed the team’s willingness to take risks to build for the future.
Despite the setback with Fultz, the Sixers’ draft night was filled with questionable decisions, from drafting players who never panned out to selling valuable picks that could have helped the team in the long run. It was a mixed bag of outcomes that left fans scratching their heads.
Free Agency
In free agency, Colangelo made key signings to bolster the team’s roster. JJ Redick, a sharpshooter, was brought in to provide much-needed three-point shooting, while veteran Amir Johnson added depth in the frontcourt. These signings helped the team improve and compete at a higher level.
Results
The 2017-18 season saw the Sixers make a remarkable turnaround, finishing with a 52-30 record and securing the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite facing challenges, including injuries to key players, the team fought hard in the playoffs, ultimately falling short to the Boston Celtics.
Although the season ended with disappointment, the Sixers remained optimistic about their future. With a young core of Embiid, Simmons, Covington, and Šarić, the team was poised for success in the years to come.
As the off-season came to a close, rumors swirled about a potential superstar joining the team, further fueling excitement among fans and players alike.
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