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With Summer League officially over, and training camp still
a while away, the Sixers are entering the quieter portion of their offseason. There are still a few fringe free agents
available to be signed, but as expected, the Sixers have been pretty quiet this
summer, and will likely continue to be.
Rather than adding a plethora of players, the Sixers’ roster
for the upcoming season will largely consist of returning players, draft picks,
and prospects. Thus, while the team’s roster and rotation for the 2014-15 NBA
season is far from set in stone, it is possible to get an idea of what the
opening day roster will look like, considering current contracts and Summer
League performances.
Keeping in mind that moves could be made to affect the rotation,
here’s a look at what the Sixers’ opening day roster may look like.
Players under contract
1. Thaddeus Young – Young, who seems to be perpetually
involved in trade talks, is entering the last year of his current contract with
the Sixers. He has a player option for 2015-16, but after another stuggle of a
season with the Sixers, no one would be shocked to see him split. But, barring
a trade, Young will be starting for the Sixers come opening night.
2. Michael Carter-Williams – It is safe to assume that the
reigning Rookie of the Year will be back in a starting spot for the Sixers this
season. Despite some draft day rumors, Carter-Williams is still a Sixer, and he
figures to be a big part of the franchise going forward.
5. Tony Wroten – Wroten showed signs of his potential as a
player last season, and should get an opportunity to do so again this season.
Certain areas of his game (see: shooting) need vast improvement, but his
ability to get to the rim and put up points makes him very valuable. A reserve
role seems suiting for Wroten.
6. Arnett Moultrie – It is difficult to determine what
exactly Moultrie’s role with the team will be, if any, as opportunities to
watch him play have been few and far between recently. He is under contract
with the Sixers for the 2014-15 season at over $1 million, so the organization
may give him another opportunity. Moultrie is still only 23 years old after
all.
2014 Draft Picks
7. Joel Embiid – It is likely that Embiid won’t suit up for
the Sixers this season, but the team has to secure a spot for the center, who
figures to be a big part of the franchise’s foundation going forward. Embiid
will likely experience a similar sidelined season to what Nerlens Noel went
through last season.
8. K.J. McDaniels – McDaniels was a first-round talent, but
the draft’s depth forced him to slide to the second. He is an ultra-athletic
wing player who can do a bit of everything. He has a shot at starting for this
Sixers squad, although he needs to develop his handle and shoot more
consistently. His ability on the defensive end will help keep him on the court.
His summer league play was promising, and at 32nd overall, he may
have been a steal for the Sixers.
9. Jerami Grant – Like McDaniels, Grant is an athletic wing
option, who should be given ample opportunity in the Sixers’ up-tempo system.
10. Jordan McRae – Talk about draft day steals. McRae,
drafted 58th overall, was named to the Summer League’s Second Team,
leading the Sixers in scoring with 21 points per. Along with showing an
impressive offensive arsenal, McRae was dedicated defensively, and he has nice
length for a perimeter player. In the absence of other perimeter producers,
McRae could see some solid time with the Sixers this season.
Check out the rest of the 15-man projection here.
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