2014 NBA Draft: Draft Day Trades Live Updates
Orlando and Philly Swap Picks:
We were all scratching our heads when the Philadelphia 76ers took Elfrid Payton with the 10th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Was Michael Carter-Williams on the trade block? Could the Sixers really be crazy enough to try and pair two point guards who can’t shoot together? Unfortunately for Sixers fans, the answer is even worse: Sam Hinkie might be ready to tank another season away.
Taking Joel Embiid at No. 3 overall (when the team already has Nerlens Noel) was one thing, but by trading Elfrid Payton to the Orlando Magic for the draft rights to Dario Saric, the Sixers are fully embracing the fact that they won’t be a playoff team next season. Saric can’t come over to play in the NBA for at least two years after signing a three-year deal with a Turkish ball club less earlier this week. That means with their first two picks in the draft, the Sixers took Embiid (out for at least a few months of the season) and Saric (not eligible for another two years).
Both Saric and Embiid are terrific prospects, and Philly is getting a 2017 first rounder and a 2015 second rounder from the Magic according to Grantland’s Zach Lowe, but taking a risk on two guys who won’t be ready to contribute this season is also certainly testing fans’ patience in the rebuilding process. General manager Sam Hinkie must be a Chicago Cubs fan, because 2025 is totally going to be their year.
As for the Magic, this move nabs them a point guard, an area of need for them. Payton shot up draft boards in recent weeks for his tremendous pre-draft workouts and although his three-point shot could use some work, he’ll add to an already young and promising core. Look forward to enjoying him and Victor Oladipo wreak havoc in the backcourt together.