The future of the Sixers’ roster is anything but predictable. As fans are well aware, trades will likely be made, some making sense, while others are more complicated and questionable. The future of the front court is the biggest question with Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor already on the roster, but Joel Embiid could return next season, the Sixers could have up to three first-round picks and Dario Saric is reportedly coming over from Turkey.
Throughout the rebuilding process, countless players have come and gone. Moves such as adding Jerry Colangelo to the front office may indicate an change to the direction of the process, however. Here, we take a look at each current Sixer and whether they will be on the team next year, or join the long list of players who have been left behind throughout the process.
Elton Brand
Elton Brand becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2016, so despite adding him for a veteran presence, it is more likely the Sixers don't bring him back and open up a roster space. Brand has yet to play in a game and probably won't at all this season. His roster space could be used for a young player that could actually see minutes on the court. If the Sixers really want to keep him around, they might as well make him a coach.
Isaiah Canaan
Isaiah Canaan, who has seen his role diminish from a starter to a backup throughout the season, becomes a restricted free agent in 2016. He has been a good weapon for the Sixers, shooting 36 percent from three in 2014-2015, and 37 percent so far in 2015-2016. The Sixers would be wise to resign him to keep as a backup, as he can play point or shooting guard and provides good versatility.
Robert Covington
Robert Covington provides the three shot, as well as stout defense, though his play is marked by streaks. He is hot and cold constantly, but when it all comes together he is very good. The Sixers picked up his team option for 2017, but he could be used in a trade. Shooters are hard to come by and many NBA teams would love a trade for a player like Covington. Sam Hinkie loves to hoard assets, too, so a trade would be plausible. However, the aforementioned Jerry Colangelo addition and possible end of the rebuilding process might counteract Hinkie’s inclinations to stockpile assets, and prevent trades of that sort.
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid will hopefully play next season after missing his first two due to fractures in his right foot. Sam Hinkie has said that Embiid is likely to miss Summer League, but should be ready for the regular season. The Sixers have already put a lot of work into JoJo, and are playing him up like he is some basketball god that absolutely nobody can guard. Everybody around camp is very excited to see Joel play, and unless he falls extremely short from his expectations, he will be in Philadelphia for a while.
Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant has developed into a dominant defensive force, notching 155 blocked shots over his two seasons in Philadelphia so far. His contract keeps him with the Sixers through the next season. Brett Brown hasn’t been shy about his feelings towards Grant, saying that Jerami “gives us a lot of reason to be excited.”
Richaun Holmes
Despite not getting much playing time due to a log jam at his position, Richaun Holmes has made the most out of his sparse minutes. Otherwise known as “Dunk Man” by Sixers fans, Holmes has made some very impressive plays and powerful dunks. Other than his play, his energy and enthusiasm on the court has been phenomenal. He’s still in his rookie season, so he has a lot of room to grow.
Carl Landry
Carl Landry is the only veteran on the team that actually gets playing time, though he hasn't gotten many minutes as of late. He got some meaningful playing time earlier in the season, and showed off that almost infallible elbow jumper. Though his minutes have diminished, he still provides good leadership from the bench, which the Sixers put a lot of value into. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2017, so Philly will likely let him play out his contract.
Kendall Marshall
Kendall Marshall has been a huge disappointment this year. He had the starting job locked up, but eventually lost it. Now the only time he sees large chunks of minutes are during blowout games, in garbage time. He did get some substantial playing time in place of an injured TJ McConnell. It’s doubtful that he will make the Sixer’s roster next year; if anything, he might be retained for depth at the point guard position.
TJ McConnell
TJ McConnell has been a great find for the Sixers, and has greatly improved throughout the season. The undrafted rookie has proved to be an excellent backup, and in addition to adding depth, he adds energy, passion, and tenacity to the team.
Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel has seen some ups and downs this season due to playing out of position, but he is still the best the Sixers have as a rim protector. His offense is pretty limited to the pick-and-roll, but his defense and quick hands definitely make up for his offensive shortcomings. Its tough to try and figure out if it will be Noel, Okafor, or Embiid that the Sixers part ways with, though a trade will most likely be put on hold until Embiid is able to showcase his skills.
Jahlil Okafor
Though there's much speculation over which big man will be traded, it’s unlikely that the Sixers will let go of Okafor until they see how Joel Embiid will play. Okafor is having a spectacular rookie season and will have a long, successful NBA career. Throughout all of the trade rumors, Big Jah has remained firm in the fact that the Sixers have told him he was one of the building pieces of this franchise.
Ish Smith
Ish Smith is a good option for the Sixers at a reserve position, but in future years, certainly not a starter. His play has either regressed, or he's just come down to reality, but either way he has been hurting his team recently. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2016, and it’s likely that they will resign him to provide depth and some experience to this young team.
Nik Stauskus
Nik Stauskus has been another disappointment this season, though he has shown signs of improvement lately. He had been reportedly offered in a trade that included Ish Smith and a first round pick for Dennis Schroder. Sam Hinkie even said that at the trade deadline, the most offers he got were for his shooters, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Nik dealt in a trade at one point or another once the Sixers get past the 2016 draft.
Hollis Thompson
Hollis Thompson has been the Sixers best three-point shooter over the past three years. He’s been the sixth man for the team, and has been probably the most consistent Sixer. Philly picked up his team option, and won’t become an unrestricted free agent until 2017.
#Sixers Brown: Hollis Thompson 'has been maybe our most consistent wing (all season).'
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) February 1, 2016
We'll have to wait and see what happens as the Sixers roster will definitely go through a facelift after the draft. Dario Saric, Joel Embiid and three potential first round picks will make for some interesting decisions down the line.
