In a move that was definitely a long time coming, the Sixers dealt longtime center Samuel Dalembert to the Sacramento Kings for swingman Andres Nocioni and big man Spencer Hawes. Sammy was a first round draft pick in June of 2001, immediately following Philly’s NBA Finals defeat against the Lakers.
Any first rounder comes to a team with a certain amount of pressure on his shoulders, and Dalembert was no different. The Sixers had just missed the championship against a historically great Lakers team, and they were hungry for more. But what we saw from him during his time in Philadelphia was a series of ups and downs, a center that couldn’t match up against the league’s big men, and a wildly inconsistent player that likely should not have been a starter the last few years.
While I wouldn’t go as far to say that Dalembert’s tenure in Philadelphia was one of wasted potential, he definitely didn’t live up to expectations. One night he was on fire and would pull down 12 rebounds, and the following night he’d be a complete non-factor. Early in his career, it was easy to blame it all on youth, but for the last few years, all I wanted to do is buy him a train ticket and tell him to get out.
But focusing less on his legacy and what this deal means for the Sixers next year, this deal could be the first step in a much-needed overhaul to this franchise. The team just needs to follow through on the rebuild.
For one, his $12.2 million salary for the ’10-’11 season (Kings have to pay an extra 15% trade kicker) is now solely the responsibility of Sacramento. While it’s not my money, it is my team, and I am glad there’s one less underperformer getting paid top dollar.
The two guys coming over from the KIngs, Nocioni and Hawes, will be receiving $6.8 million and $2.9 million respectively. This saves the team a few million in cap space next year, and the following year Hawes is a free agent, giving the Sixers further wiggle room, although the 22-year old is someone to keep an eye on. Only time will tell if they’ll be in the position to nab a big name free agent at that point, but moves like this trade are the right thing to do.
Lastly, the Sixers are in a prime position to make another excellent move next week by drafting Evan Turner at #2. With the Sixers’ current state, they need to draft the best available player when their slot comes up, and that is Turner, but ESPN’s Bob Ford speculates that the team may see things differently.
While Ed Stefanski is said to prefer Turner (as he should), new coach Doug Collins is very high on Derrick Favors. Now that Nocioni is here, and with Dalembert headed out west, who will play center? Favors could be that guy, but if the Sixers make that move and he turns out to be a bust, the braintrust is going to look dumb.
On the other hand, everyone expects them to select Turner, who is pretty much a sure thing. The Sixers need to make the logical move and take Evan Turner, perhaps trying out Elton Brand at center this season.
Let’s hope the team decides to be logical for once.
