Sixers Keep Or Pass Part 1: Who The Sixers Retain For Next Season
By Ray Boyd
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's no secret that the Sixers have been a revolving door for the last two seasons. A ton of different players were Sixers this past season in some form. Not all of them took the court, but a decent amount of them did.
Brett Brown was a major proponent of the "shake your hand and put you in the game," style of coaching.
It doesn't seem like Brown wants to advocate for that style much longer. The coach is longing for some stability and the fans want the same. While last year's group of Sixers certainly endeared themselves to fans with their determined style of play, there is still a longing for some familiarity with the roster.
The Sixers will have decisions to make this off-season in terms of what players the fans will continue to get to see playing for the Sixers. 15 players were on the roster when the season ended. Let's take a look at those 15 names and play a little game of "Keep or Pass."
C Joel Embiid: KEEP
This is perhaps the easiest name on the team, despite the fact that he did not play a game in 2014-15. Embiid was the second Sixers' top pick to not suit up in his first season, but he is the main reason to be excited about next season's roster. The team has used him as the centerpiece of advertising for next year and the glimpses we see on Sixers social media make him an easy keeper for next season.
SG Jason Richardson: PASS
Richardson wins the most sentimental story of the year for the Sixers. Richardson's career appeared all but over heading into this season. He spent two years recovering from injury and at 34 there was very little reason to fight back to play for a sub-20 win team. Brown praised Richardson for the example he set for this young Sixers' team and he did appear to be an influence.
With that said, the Sixers are still very much in development mode and there is little use for a mid-30's shooting guard in the plans for next season. Richardson is a free agent.
SF/PF Luc Mbah a Moute: PASS
Mbah a Moute had his best career season as a Sixer in 2014-15. He averaged career highs in points per game (9.9), steals per game and three-pointers made and attempted. His game transformed in Philadelphia as he was trusted to be more versatile on the offensive end and was used as a small forward and power forward defensively.
Mbah a Moute is set to be a free agent and perhaps raised his stock a little bit. The Sixers have cap room, but they also have younger players that will need those minutes. Mbah a Moute was a solid locker room presence and may have a case to stay considering his relationship with Embiid.
PF Thomas Robinson: KEEP
Robinson is a free agent this off-season, but look for the Sixers to try to retain him. Does Robinson have an incredibly high ceiling? No. If he did, he'd be living up to the fifth overall selection that he was in the 2012 NBA Draft. However, Robinson did show a lot in his 22 game sprint with the Sixers. He has great strength.
He is willing to do the dirty work in the paint and he plays with a great sense of energy. Robinson has already played for four NBA teams and another change of scenery is probably something he will want to avoid. At 24, Robinson is the type of low risk/high reward player the Sixers should look to keep working with.
PF Nerlens Noel: KEEP
Noel had a campaign worthy of being in the running for Rookie of the Year. As advertised, he shined on the defensive end and gave the Sixers a legitimate rim protector. He also found some offensive strengths. He developed a nice ability to work the baseline and get to open spots. He is also an above average passer in the lane for his size and developed some serious pick and roll chemistry with Ish Smith.
Noel is about as close to a lock as Embiid in terms of being a keeper, but the team's trade of Michael Carter-Williams makes the Sixers somewhat of an enigma. Also, if the team opts to select a big man early in the draft, the front court may be a little crowded.
Stick with CBSPhilly.com throughout the week for Part 2 and Part 3 of Sixers Keep or Pass
