FanPost

Send Jah to Boston for the Nets pick this year and Marcus Smart

IF, the Celtics accepted that trade, which they may not, this deal would definitely do a better job of positioning the 76ers for a playoff run next year than seeing how Jah and Nerlens develop over the course of the season.

First, it would allow Nerlens, who has special defensive skills, to develop his offensive game at the position best tailored to his capabilities. He is never going to be an offensive force, but Noel has the ability to be a league average 5 on offense and incredible versatility on P&R defense. Additionally, it would give Jerami Grant the chance to focus on playing the 4. I may be higher on him than most, but I see Grant as a player with a massive amount of potential as a "small ball" 4 due to his athleticism and increased confidence taking defenders off the bounce (if his jump shot can improve from deep he could be very dangerous).

Second, Marcus Smart brings great defense at the PG position and has shown offensive improvement when healthy. With his bulldog frame and rugged defense, Smart could present an opportunity to address the horrible guard situation the 76ers face right now.

Third, the Brooklyn pick should at the minimum be a top 10 pick, and could even land top 3 depending on how the season goes. If the Lakers pick conveys at 4 or 5, that would mean three different top 5 picks for the 76ers at the draft. While we need the ping pong balls to bounce our way, it increases the chances of Ben Simmons playing in a 76ers uniform next year. Furthermore, it solidifies your chance of bringing in three top tier prospects. With two more picks outside of Simmons, you have the chance to then add two of Jamal Murray, Brandon Ingram, Kris Dunn, or Jaylen Brown (I personally would dream on Simmons, Murray, and Ingram).

The team then consists of Noel, Smart, Embiid (off the bench with managed minutes), Saric (likely coming over this season), Covington, Stauskas (bench), Grant (bench), and Wroten(bench) as holdovers.

Imagine next season's first and second units:

Smart, Murray, Cov, Simmons, Noel

Wroten, Stauskas, Ingram, Saric, Embiid

While this is still just a dream, I believe this team absolutely makes the playoffs. Losing Okafor in this deal essentially lands a starting guard with upside and a low floor (Smart), maximizes the chance of landing Simmons. Even if the Lakers pick does not convey, it would ensure that the team lands another top pick to bolster the backcourt for next season.

If I am batshit crazy, let me know. But this would have me more excited than hanging onto Okafor, Noel, and Embiid, especially if the Lakers pick does not end up conveying this season.

A user-created LB joint. The Liberty Ballers staff does not contribute to FanPosts.