Will Hollis Thompson be a Sixer next year? A lot is yet to be determined as the draft approaches. Credit: Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers won 19 games last season. That’s not exactly a news flash. But it’s extremely relevant when figuring out how many players from that team will return for the 2014-15 season.
The Sixers have two first-round draft picks – Nos. 3 and 10 – as well as five second-round selections.
More picks could be on the way. With general manager Sam Hinkie, anything is possible, which will make draft night very intriguing.
Of the players remaining from last season, here’s a look at who’s likely to be back.
Michael Carter-Williams
The reigning Rookie of the Year suffered through a lot of losses, but he also learned quite a bit. MCW was selected at No. 11 last season and the Sixers seem to have found their point guard of the future. He has tremendous potential and will get better when the talent around him improves.
Nerlens Noel
He rehabbed an ACL the entire season after being acquired in a draft night trade from the New Orleans Pelicans for All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday. Noel will basically be a second-year rookie and just having that presence in the middle will be an upgrade.
Thaddeus Young
Young was a true professional last season, especially when Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner were dealt at the trade deadline. Young took on a leadership role and came to play every single night. There’s a chance Young could be traded before next season. If that happens, another draft pick could be en route to Philadelphia.
Tony Wroten
Wroten was a whirlwind and really performed at a high level at times. At other times, he could be maddening to watch with passes tossed into the third row of the stands. But a young guard with a huge upside has to be enticing.
Hollis Thompson
Thompson became a dependable 3-point shooter and that’s always an asset. When the Sixers improve and Thompson can be asked to come off the bench and knock down a couple of triples, he’ll be very valuable.
Henry Sims
The Sixers picked up Sims in the trade for Hawes and he had some nice moments. Sims was the only reliable big man last season and really improved offensively by the end of the season.
The rest of the roster includes Arnett Moultrie, James Anderson, Byron Mullens, Jason Richardson, Elliot Williams, Jarvis Varnado, Brandon Davies, Adonis Thomas and Casper Ware.
Of these players, Anderson and Williams are probably solid candidates to remain with the Sixers. Moultrie was suspended for five games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy and Richardson has been oft-injured. The others are all fringe players who likely won’t be here.
With seven draft picks and possibly more, the roster is sure to look markedly different in 2014-15.
