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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers scorched their roster and abandoned a competitive season all for one reason, the chance to turn the NBA draft into a cornerstone for a championship run.
The Sixers command the NBA's attention for once for something other than a 26-game losing streak. They hold the third and 10th picks Thursday night, and five more in the second round.
They are one of the more intriguing teams in the draft, dreaming of the potential that two top-10 picks hold, either as potential stars or as trade bait. But one thing is for sure, team president Sam Hinkie knows he can't go bust in a draft that could define the organization for a decade or more.
The Sixers hold the No. 3 pick because of a 19-63 record out of a team full of D-League castoffs and stopgap players. They have the No. 10 pick because of Hinkie's stunning 2013 draft night deal that saw them trade All-Star Jrue Holiday for Nerlens Noel and the pick.
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