The Philadelphia 76ers kicked off the 2017 offseason with a high-stakes move that would reshape the franchise’s future. General Manager Bryan Colangelo orchestrated a major trade with the Boston Celtics, swapping the No. 3 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and the Sacramento Kings’ unprotected first-round pick in 2019 for the top pick. The Sixers aimed to secure Markelle Fultz, a dynamic guard from Washington, whom they believed was the perfect addition to their burgeoning core of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
The Draft Decisions
Fultz touted as a potential star due to his scoring versatility and size, was expected to complement the Sixers’ existing talents. However, the Celtics used the No. 3 pick to select Jayson Tatum, who quickly emerged as one of the league’s premier players. In hindsight, the Sixers’ gamble on Fultz became one of the most debated decisions in NBA history.
The Sixers’ draft night also saw them acquire the No. 25 pick, which they used to select Latvian center Anžejs Pasečņiks. Despite high hopes, Pasečņiks never played a game for Philadelphia and eventually moved on to the Washington Wizards and later the Milwaukee Bucks.
Draft Day Mistakes
The Sixers’ draft strategy faced further scrutiny for their handling of later picks. At No. 36, they selected Jonah Bolden, an Australian big man with intriguing potential but limited NBA impact. They sold their No. 39 and No. 46 picks, decisions that frustrated fans given the potential of players like Kyle Kuzma, Derrick White, and Josh Hart, who were available at those slots. The No. 50 pick was used on Mathias Lessort, a French big man who also failed to make a significant impact for Philadelphia.
Free Agency Moves
In free agency, Colangelo made notable signings. He added veteran shooter JJ Redick on a one-year, $23 million deal, a move that significantly improved the Sixers’ three-point shooting. Redick’s presence provided a valuable offensive boost alongside Embiid. Additionally, the Sixers brought in Amir Johnson, a reliable backup for Embiid, though Johnson’s impact was more mixed.
A Promising but Disappointing Season
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Markelle Fultz, the Sixers enjoyed a strong season, finishing with a 52-30 record and the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, their playoff run ended in disappointment. They lost to the Boston Celtics in five games, a series marked by key struggles, including a lackluster performance from Ben Simmons and injuries to Joel Embiid.
The 2017 offseason remains a pivotal moment for the Sixers. The high hopes attached to Fultz and the trade with the Celtics have become emblematic of both bold risks and missed opportunities. As the team looks to the future, the impact of these decisions continues to influence the franchise’s trajectory and remains a point of reflection for fans and analysts alike.
Comments