What the Dalembert-Hawes/Nocioni Deal Means For the 76ers
For a Philadelphia team that has finished last in the league in 3-point shooting two of the last three seasons, the 76ers land a reliable, albeit aging shooter in Andres Nocioni and a youthful and less expensive option at center in Spencer Hawes. The big man is just 22 years old and put up decent numbers as a starting center in the West. Nocioni should compete for playing time right away for a team that has one-dimensional Jason Kapono as their starting 3-man, while Thaddeus Young fills in at times, despite being better suited at the 4.
With a two new players in hand, what will GM Ed Stefanski do on draft night? Does it make sense for the 76ers to add a Coach Collins favorite in Derrick Favors? He would be competing with Elton Brand, Thaddeus Young, Marreese Speights and Spencer Hawes for playing time in the front court. It makes more sense for Philadelphia to stick with drafting guard/forward Evan Turner, who will still eventually replace the aging Nocioni in the lineup and perhaps lead to the trade of Andre Iguodala, but Turner is more NBA ready than Favors and immediate improvement is certainly on the minds of the 76ers' ownership and fans.
By President - Corey Ruff - 6-17-10
