Crow wrote:looking at the 2014 and 2015 drafts, the number of good or expected to become good PGs is indeed low. Maybe lower than I thought. But Smart and Cam Payne were available in trade downs. Zach Lowe noted that Sixers could have gotten Isaiah Thomas. They probably could have gotten Reggie Jackson or Darren Collison and probably for less than the 3rd pick directly. Beverley or Lin. They might have been able to get Schroeder and possibly more for a #3 pick. Maybe Rubio. maybe Conley the way things went. I wasn't asking for an unrealistic star PG... but package multiple first round picks and who knows?
why?
First, the Hinkie 76ers have never finished in last before. They weren't trying to be good this year. You could argue that Hinkie should have cared more about wins this season, but aside from placating the media, what is their purpose?
Second, why would Hinkie trade Okafor for Collison. The whole purpose of the tank was to acquire elite assets. Okafor has a much higher chance of becoming an elite player than Collison, or the other players you named, who would have been available.
Third, the whole point of the Hinkie model is to always improve your assets in every trade. Hinkie was waiting to acquire a PG when the opportunity presented (and he was in no rush to do so), or it became a necessity. Why would Hinkie take on a trade that aside from minimizing his chances of acquiring elite talent, would have decreased his total asset value?
In what way could it be argued that trading Okafor + a pick for Conley would have helped the 76ers achieve their longterm goals, or even benefit the organization; a player who's age wouldnt progress with the rest of the lineup, a player who would have come at an overpriced deal, and a player who would have substantially reduced Philadelphia chances of getting a top pick in this draft.
Keep in mind that Philly thought they had 2 pgs to start the season, both were injured.