My final draft thoughts and looking ahead!

First, I want to thank all the writers on this board that made this year's draft process very enjoyable. Excellent all-around draft coverage, from weeks ago breaking down the prospects, to the actual draft and post draft insights. All your time and effort is appreciated.

Now to my opinions regarding this year's draft and looking ahead. When we first found out that we landed the #2 pick in the draft, my first inclination was taking a frontcourt player such as Favors or Cousins. With so much uncertianty up front and not believing Evan Turner would ever be a top 5 player in this league, I was hoping the team went big. Throw in the suprising trade of Dalembert, it made perfect sense to go in that direction.

As the pre-draft process moved forward, so did my interest in Evan Turner. What I failed to realize early on in the process, was the impact Evan Turner would bring outside the box score. The Sixer team regresses badly last season with the same cast of players, excluding Andre Miller. Andre Miller was a big loss for the team, more than many would imagine. His leadership on and off the court was sorely missed. His play made everyone around him better. You can even debate he was the team's best player. You never saw the team quit fighting, when he was around, like we saw last season. Evan Turner has the same qualities, great leader who makes everyone around him better. Turner has far more talent, but lacks the experience Andre Miller possessed. Will Turner become a top 5 player in this league? Not sure, but I do know he will make this team better and more successful. Favors or Cousins couldn't provide what Evan Turner brings to the table: leadership, verstility and #1 scoring ability. To prove how much the Sixer's brass liked Evan Turner, I heard they rejected a very interesting trade proposal from Minnesota on draft night: Turner & Brand for Wesley Johnson, Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes & the #16 selection. The team made the right decision to pass on the deal and will reep the benefits of Evan Turner on their roster next season and many more!

The rest of the draft was extremely dissapointing for all of us, hoping to secure another draft pick for a front court player. What it suggests the Sixer franchise isn't doing well financially what so ever and they will not get into that luxury tax threshold. With the arrival of Evan Turner, ticket sales should improve dramatically, but do not expect the team to take on any additional payroll, until the revenues start flowing in again. We may even see salary dump moves in the coming weeks. For the most part, the roster as is, will be pretty much the same, going into next season.

What needs does the roster still have? They losted a ton of rebounding and shot blocking with the Dalembert trade, they still need a few players who can stretch the defense. More veteran presence wouldn't hurt either, with many young players on our roster.

I see the team one core big man away from being a future contender. We know there are three solid core players to build around in Andre, Holliday and now Evan Turner. I believe one core player will emerge out of the group of Thad, Speights or Hawes, which will leave the team with one to be found, along with finding the right role players that fit Doug Collins system. This season is all about evaluating the roster and determining who is a keeper moving forward. Everyone gets a clean slate and must prove their worth with our new coaching staff. With so many young players, there will be some growing pains, but the arrow is pointing in the right direction. Hopefully, within three seasons, we can have a true title contending team. Development, smart basketball decisions, money and some luck along the way, will get this team back.