NBA Draft Rumors 2014: Philadelphia 76ers looking to trade up
After trotting out a lineup that sometimes looking better suited for the D-League and suffering through a 26-game losing streak, the Philadelphia 76ers likely hoped to get the top overall pick.
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Of course, the 76ers didn’t even have the league’s worst record – that honor belonged to the Milwaukee Bucks. After the Cleveland Cavaliers won Tuesday night’s 2014 NBA Draft Lottery, moving up from the ninth-spot, the 76ers wound up with the third-overall pick.
"Cavs GM David Griffin said he’s open to trading it.What Cleveland does has a direct impact on Sam Hinkie and the 76ers, who left Tuesday night’s lottery with the Nos. 3 and 10 selections.Hinkie will undoubtedly consider any and all options to try to help the Sixers back to respectability and beyond.If he determines Wiggins is the best fit, Hinkie could be bold and offer the Nos. 3 and 10 picks to the Cavs to get No. 1 and guarantee landing Wiggins.He could see who goes No. 1 and then try to deal with the Bucks at No. 2 if the Cavaliers select Embiid.He could wait and hope — against the odds — that Wiggins, whose athleticism and potential are two big pluses, falls to No. 3.If not, Hinkie could take who he, director of player personnel Courtney Witte and company determine would help the Sixers the most."
The 76ers could pair Embiid with Nerlens Noel and potentially count on one of the best defenses in the league for years to come or opt for Wiggins, who probably best fits a need and may be the most talented player in the draft.