As followers of “The Process” brace for what looks to be another exhilarating offseason, we take a closer look at the stirring moves made by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Philadelphia 76ers capitalized on their opportunities in the 2018 NBA Draft, confidently walking away with Texas Tech’s Zhaire Smith and additional assets.
Philly’s long rebuilding process has finally reached the light, finishing the 2017-18 season with 52 wins and a commendable showing in the postseason. Although winning was the ultimate goal for the last five years, the organization ensured that it wouldn’t stop there.
They would implement a plan along the way to position themselves with a wealthy combination of draft picks and salary cap space. It was a strategy clever enough to land them six draft spots this year — one of which would place them back in the lottery at No. 10.
The Sixers went into this draft with a much deeper mindset than they had in the previous two, where they selected Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz first overall in back-to-back years. This year, however, it was the transition from taking BPA (best player available) to the best complementary fit. Reports in the last month suggested that to be Villanova guard and beloved Philadelphia native Mikal Bridges.
One Sixers takeaway from the NBA Mock Draft Special is that Philadelphia is, per Adrian Wojnarowski, "enamored with Mikal Bridges and there is a lot of mutual interest there." His mom also works in Human Resources for the Sixers, per Woj.
— Jake Hyman (@JakeHymanTTP) June 18, 2018
I feel like Mikal Bridges to the Sixers was predicted in every mock draft since the Lottery happened
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) June 22, 2018
As the Sixers finally rolled onto the clock to make the pick, it seemed that the predictions were crystal clear, when they readily selected Bridges.
All went accordingly, until the trade announcement a few picks later that galvanized the audience. The Sixers were sending the local product off to the Phoenix Suns, bringing in Zhaire Smith (No. 16) and an unprotected 2021 first round pick (via Miami Heat) to Philly.
Sources: Suns have traded Zhaire Smith and 2021 Miami first-rounder to 76ers for Mikal Bridges.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
Too bad about Mikal Bridges not going to the Sixers, where his mom works. Don't really get this trade for Zhaire Smith.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 22, 2018
Although the move quickly derailed Mikal Bridges and his family’s homecoming excitement, it was a solid decision for both teams.