A reader writes:
Just wondering if you’ll be addressing the recent news of the 76ers and their willingness to trade the 2nd overall pick (most likely Turner) only along with Brand. I’m curious on what your thoughts on it would be.
Thus far, I’ve refrained from commenting on the draft. As my exposure to these prospects is limited to scant tournament coverage and online clips, I just don’t know enough about any of these guys to feel comfortable passing any judgment.
I can say a few things, which will come to most as, I think, fairly intuitive. First, there seems to be a misunderstanding of that ESPN report regarding the pick. The cost would not simply be absorption of Brand’s contract. (ie: you could not just offer Jeffries and Battier and satisfy Philadelphia’s demands.) Taking back Brand is merely the stipulation that would drive the remaining cost for a #2 pick down to somewhat reasonable levels. You would still need to include plus-assets to get this done.
Daryl Morey values flexibility. It’s what allows a club to get the most out of its salary cap. At the same time, it is undeniable that moreso than any other team sport, the preponderance of one individual can have immeasurable effects. And the draft is invariably the cheapest route to obtain greatness, if even in its infancy.
There is also the rumor, recently tweeted by Larry Coon, that the new collective bargaining agreement may include some form of one-time grace provision for undesirable long-term deals. We don’t know so it would certainly be a risk.
Are either of Evan Turner or DeMarcus Cousins worth sacrificing that flexibility? I don’t know, so I would be interested in hearing your thoughts.
