(Photo Courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
We all hoped for a Lebron or Paul George signing. We’re all still holding out hope for a Kawhi trade or another big move along those lines. However, I think we may have to accept this Sixers team as is.
We’re nearly two weeks into the NBA offseason and the Sixers have remained relatively low key. Sure, they have made some moves. They made the move to pick up Wilson Chandler. It was a move that will help them more than people think on the wing. They brought in Nemanja Bjelica to fill the Illyasova role, in addition to JJ Redick who came on with a smaller contract than last season. All things considered, they are bringing back a similar team to last years. Although, I would say Chandler and Bjelica are upgrades over Belinelli and Illyasova. Are they moves that put the Sixers ahead of Boston? I don’t believe so. However, between Chandler and rookie Zhaire Smith, I think they are more athletic and capable of handling Boston’s wing players.
We all hoped for a Lebron or Paul George signing. We’re all still holding out hope for a Kawhi trade or another big move along those lines. However, I think we may have to accept this Sixers team as is. You know what will make the biggest difference for the Sixers next season? Your answer is Markelle Fultz. Fultz working out with Drew Hanlen is the best thing that could’ve happened to him. If the Sixers do take another step forward next season, it will be because of the development of Fultz and Simmons.
As far as the Phillies go, things remain quiet on the trade front. While they have been linked to Machado, it’s been unclear whether or not the Phillies want to make the move now. The Phillies need to tread carefully. Teams like the Yankees and Dodgers are starting to show interest. Should they make a move before the Phillies, he could very well choose to re-sign in LA or NY during the offseason. It’s really a tricky situation with no right answers. All I know is, trading for Machado would give the Phillies just as good a shot as anyone to get to the World Series. As it currently stands, the Phillies are in first place by themselves in the division. (Which is statement I didn’t think I would ever say this year!) We still have a lot of time between now and the end of
July. While it doesn’t seem like the Sixers or Phillies are close to making any deals, you just never know when one might develop.
