Will Sixers make move by trade deadline?
A major move by tomorrow's trade deadline does not seem probable for the Sixers. But something could get done.
Will Sixers make move by trade deadline?
Bob Cooney
Over the past few days, as the trade deadline looms tomorrow, president Rod Thorn has been pestered endlessly whether the Sixers will be an active participant. Usually his answer has been the same, that nothing major appears to be on the horizon.
Speaking with Thorn this afternoon, it was pretty much the same, although he did seem to get into a little more detail that makes me think the Sixers might do something. Not something major, but something that could helpt the team as it tries to secure a first round home playoff series.
When asked if anything was going on, Thorn pretty much reiterated what he has been saying to the media for the past week or so. "I have been on the phone talking with people all day," he said this afternoon. He was not in attendance at the team's morning shootaround at Bankers Life Fieldhouse here in Indianapolis. "There is nothing major going on with us. We haven't done anything yet and the possibility of us doing something major doesn't appear to be very high."
That all was pretty much a given. It appears the team is satisfied with many of their young players and are still evaluating others.
But when pressed and asked if he were to make a move, what kind of player would he be looking for, Thorn kind of took a different tone. He was very specific in what he would want, making me believe that something might be happening.
Here is what he said: "With Evan Turner in the starting lineup right now we really are missing some size coming off the bench at the guard spot. Lou Williams has done a great job for us off the bench and Jodie Meeks should make the adjustment from starter to reserve pretty easily, but they are both on the small side. We would like to have a bigger guard to be able to come off the bench and provide some size and strength."
When someone talks in specifics like that, especially a team president a day before the trading deadline, it would appear that something might be close to getting done.
As for names, that's a little tricky. The Sixers do have a trade exception, meaning they could get a player for a draft pick without having to give up another player. They were afforded that when they traded Marreese Speights to the Memphis Grizzlies for a couple of second round picks. But it appears clear that the type of player they are looking to get is a big two guard who can shoot a little bit, defend and be a physical presence off the bench.
"There are some guys who might fit what we need that we could have interest in, but you never know," said Thorn. "If we can do something that can help our team without giving up someone we like or too much in the way of picks, we'd certainly take a look."
If you're a bettor, let's say the chances of someone coming in tomorrow are up to about 85 percent.
Stay tuned.
Actually, this is surprising to hear this. From the top down, the 76ers have given every indication of a totally satisfied team, with no desire to acquire anyone but Howard. Having said that, it isn't surprising to hear that they want a guy bigger than Jodie Meeks who can play guard. They've gone that route many times before in drafts and minor trades.— 76erfn- Of course it will be Kobe.— Koons
- Not sure what the Sixers will do, but how much more "Noche Latina: The NBA's celebration of Hispanic heritage and Latin America" can they jam down our throats? Every friggin' night its "Los" Lakers or "Nueva" York. If I were Hispanic I would be insulted that the NBA thinks it can grab my wallet by throwing a Spanish prefix on a game jersey. There is only so much pandering the NBA can do. Enough is enough. Until then I'll be waiting for "Medford Night: The celebration of the suburban communities that fill our seats and buy our products".— CornerPretzelGuy
- This didn't need a player like Monta Ellis??? Milwaukee didn't really give all that much to get him.....Bogat (injured) and Jackson.....you mean we couldn't have given them Vuviec-Young-Williams....I don't get it at all!!!!!— bbrady25
- This sounds ridiculous. We have one of the biggest starting backcourts in the NBA...and Thorn is worried about backcourt size off the bench? Is this really our most pressing need? How about size in the Front court? Especially after seeing Indiana kill us on the boards with their size. Small ball can only take you so far...a big guard coming off the bench will mean nothing in terms of wins. I think that the game has truly passed him by. As if saying that ET wasn't a PG didn't make that obvious.— ajcash
- What about a big guy with a little muscle, tough enforcer type who can get off his feet more than an inch or two? Hawes, Brand, Vucevic all have vertical leaps of cement statues. The Sixers can't match up, up front against the better teams and can only go so far undersized. A big guard is down on the list of needs if they expect to be a serious contender.— gentian
Comment removed.- Mr Thorn is revising his wish list as we speak. We need a banger. Is Reggie Evans available?— talknpraktis
- Mr Thorn is revising his wish list as we speak. We need a banger. Is Reggie Evans available?— talknpraktis
- melo for iggy— Top Cat
- this the same front office who just gave a very big sg (xavier henry) to NO for a 2nd rounder? (we should have gotten henry straight up for speights. speaking of which, how's he doing lately?)— rzzzzz
- gentian and Quixote: exactly. Turner 6:7 and Holiday 6:4 starting guards, with 6:4 Meeks coming off the bench and 6:6 Iguodala moving to the backcourt at times. Sixers have needed and still need a tough inside presence, which is seriously lacking. I know DC loves to have Hawes at the top of the key facilitating, but with Turner providing significant offense and boarding, little need for a slow footed, defensively-challenged pair of centers in Hawes and Vucevic. They need someone who can provide shot-blocking and banging inside. I have a bad feeling they will pick up an over the hill big guard to provide 5-10 mpg.— chuckw
- No, They like the way this pathetic team plays.— eaglesman1
If Doug Collins intends to trot the amazing duo of Lou and Jodie out there at the same time, then Rod thorn does need to prioritize a big guard who can defend and shoot. As to the front court...they've had the trade exception since they moved Speights....money talks and we've been missing an inexpensive hustle big like Lou Amundson or Reggie Evans since day #1. Doug Collins tried to sacrifice Evan Turner for short-term winning....well if the new owners can't spring for a back-up big then that's a joke.— scmona
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
