Looks like the Sixers best power forward option might be Josh Smith.
"Some say Atlanta doesn't want to go above $11 million per year to sign restricted free agent Josh Smith. If that's the case, look for Smith to end up in Philadelphia.
The Sixers would love to get Elton Brand, but word is that he doesn't want to take a pay cut from the $16 million-plus he's due next season -- except to go to Miami.
So with Brand pretty much out of the question, Philly will look at Smith and Antawn Jamison. The Sixers can start either one at $11 million with 8 percent annual increases." - Chris Broussard's Blog, ESPN
The top three power forward free agents the 76ers would consider, in order of importance, are Elton Brand, Josh Smith and Antawn Jamison. Among Sixers fans everyone wants Brand, and I am sure Ed Stefanski feels that way as well. But there have been mixed signals as to whether:
1. Elton Brand was going to opt out and leave over $16M on the table with the Clippers
2. Philadelphia was a destination Brand would be happy in
3. He would be willing to take a pay cut
Sixertown got excited when Elton Brand was on 950 ESPN with positive things to say about coming to Philadelphia. Since then everything I've read makes that outcome increasingly less likely. If he does make a move his first choice is Miami. And as much as I really believe Brand is focused on winning now, I don't think he wants it at the expense of $4-5 million dollars in annual salary.
So that brings us full-circle to Josh Smith. At least on this blog there has been very little talk in the comment section about how Smith will fit with our team and if Sixers fans even want the guy. So here are few questions I have for you guys:
* Do you want Josh Smith? (I really do! I think we become one of, if not the, best defensive team in the Eastern Conference with the
addition of Smith.)
* What is our projected starting line-up with Smith on the team?
* How does the potential addition of Smith alter, if at all, who the Sixers should/will draft? (Stefanski, at least in the media, has been hell
bent on drafting a big man. And recently said "even if the team drafts a forward prospect, that doesn't preclude signing a free agent at
that position, too.")
Consider this post a nice Monday morning conversation starter.
"Some say Atlanta doesn't want to go above $11 million per year to sign restricted free agent Josh Smith. If that's the case, look for Smith to end up in Philadelphia.
The Sixers would love to get Elton Brand, but word is that he doesn't want to take a pay cut from the $16 million-plus he's due next season -- except to go to Miami.
So with Brand pretty much out of the question, Philly will look at Smith and Antawn Jamison. The Sixers can start either one at $11 million with 8 percent annual increases." - Chris Broussard's Blog, ESPN
The top three power forward free agents the 76ers would consider, in order of importance, are Elton Brand, Josh Smith and Antawn Jamison. Among Sixers fans everyone wants Brand, and I am sure Ed Stefanski feels that way as well. But there have been mixed signals as to whether:
1. Elton Brand was going to opt out and leave over $16M on the table with the Clippers
2. Philadelphia was a destination Brand would be happy in
3. He would be willing to take a pay cut
Sixertown got excited when Elton Brand was on 950 ESPN with positive things to say about coming to Philadelphia. Since then everything I've read makes that outcome increasingly less likely. If he does make a move his first choice is Miami. And as much as I really believe Brand is focused on winning now, I don't think he wants it at the expense of $4-5 million dollars in annual salary.
So that brings us full-circle to Josh Smith. At least on this blog there has been very little talk in the comment section about how Smith will fit with our team and if Sixers fans even want the guy. So here are few questions I have for you guys:
* Do you want Josh Smith? (I really do! I think we become one of, if not the, best defensive team in the Eastern Conference with the
addition of Smith.)
* What is our projected starting line-up with Smith on the team?
* How does the potential addition of Smith alter, if at all, who the Sixers should/will draft? (Stefanski, at least in the media, has been hell
bent on drafting a big man. And recently said "even if the team drafts a forward prospect, that doesn't preclude signing a free agent at
that position, too.")
Consider this post a nice Monday morning conversation starter.
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