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Philadelphia 76ers: Sixers Eye Cavaliers’ No. 1 Pick

By Frankie Hobbs

Apr 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young (21) takes a shot during the third quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young (21) takes a shot during the third quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers
Apr 11, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young (21) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Philadelphia 76ers 117 – 95. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

The Philadelphia 76ers blew up the ship and quite candidly targeted the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Despite equaling the NBA’s longest losing streak and filling half of its roster with players that probably shouldn’t be in the NBA, the Sixers didn’t quite get the first pick. Some lottery luck meant the Cleveland Cavaliers jumped up and denied the Sixers.

However, according to ESPN’s Chad Ford in his latest mock draft, the Philadelphia 76ers have reached out to the Cleveland Cavaliers to discuss a potential trade involving the No.1 draft pick.

"“The Sixers actually have engaged the Cavs about moving to No. 1. They aren’t willing to give up both the Nos. 3 and 10 picks, but a combination of No. 3 and Thaddeus Young is a possibility. And it’s a great scenario for Wiggins, as well. Of the three top teams, his camp prefers the Sixers as the best possible fit.”"

There’s a few takeaways from the information – should we take it as truth – that we can see. Firstly, those Cavs man. With another young star and a potential playoff berth, they still aren’t seen as that attractive for Wiggins and his camp. If they are favoring a team that finished 19-63 over one that really should make the playoffs next year, the Cavs are probably doing something wrong.

Secondly, it’s great news for the Sixers. Despite some widespread national criticism for what was an abomination of a season, agents and players have bought in to Sam Hinkie’s campaign. Of course, the Sixers are a pretty storied franchise, but let’s be honest, that doesn’t seem to mean a whole lot anymore. Dwight Howard leaving the Los Angeles Lakers kind of killed that trail of thought. People are buying into Hinkie; they want their players to go to Philadelphia. After Michael Carter-Williams‘ success in his rookie year, who can blame them?

Thaddeus Young is the name being thrown around for the Sixers to package with their No. 3 pick to move up. And while I’m a massive advocate of the former Georgia Tech forward, it should be seriously considered. Young is an expiring contract. If the Sixers don’t move him, there’s an absolutely huge chance he’ll up sticks and leave. Secondly, in my opinion, there is a drop-off in quality from the top two and the rest. Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid are just that little more enticing for me. From all the reports and blogs that have been written, it seems as if Wiggins is the guy they really want.

It is a trick scenario and one that will be carefully dealt with. For the Cavs, trading the No. 1  pick for Thaddeus Young and the No. 3 pick doesn’t seem like a particularly game-changing move, and they’d be better off just drafting their player and hoping he turns into what they want. Having said that: If their guy is likely to be there at No. 3, moving down, collecting another asset like Thad is actually a smart move. (I just put smart move in something talking about the Cavs).

With all that being said, I just can’t see it happening. Trading out of the No. 1 pick is very risky and I’m sure the Cleveland Cavaliers would want a reliable All-Star if they are to do so.