About that conditional pick from the 76ers

Remember when the Jordan Crawford trade happened and we got a conditional 1st round pick from the Golden State Warriors for him?  The thought of perhaps getting a 1st rounder for Jordan Crawford seemed like the steal of the century.

Here's the thing though.  The pick was originally from the 76ers.  To refresh your memory, here are the provisions on it.

NBA Future Drafts Detailed - RealGM

Philadelphia's 1st round pick to Boston (via Miami) protected for selections 1-14 in 2014 or 1-14 in 2015; if Philadelphia has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Boston by 2015, then Philadelphia will instead convey its 2015 2nd round pick and 2016 2nd round pick to Boston

Even back then we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were not making the playoffs this year.  The hope, then, was that they'd somehow bounce back next year with a decent roster and make the playoffs next year.

Anyone really feeling that now?  Didn't think so.

Let's look at their projected lineup right now:

• Michael Carter-Williams
• Thaddeus Young
• Nerlens Noel (rookie coming off major surgery)
• 76ers pick - top 5 lottery pick (but still a rookie)
• Pelicans pick - likely late lottery (top 5 protected)
• Bench: 4 second round picks and any holdovers from this year?

That's not a team that looks like it will challenge for a .500 record, never mind the playoffs.

But wait, you say, what if they sign some good free agents?  Unlikely according to our friends at Liberty Ballers.

Will The Sixers Rebuild Be Quicker Than Expected? - Liberty Ballers

A Sixers source disclosed to me the likelihood that it'll be "a while" before they are able to make any big signings. That's not to say it's impossible -- I've said on here and on the podcast that Hinkie's rebuild will not be a straight line. If the right opportunity comes along, he'll take it, even if it means more wins. But the free agency crop this offseason leaves much to be desired.

So it is looking more like the Presi-plan than a quick turnaround plan.  Which means we can kiss that 1st round pick goodbye and we'd better just start thinking of it as 2 second round picks.  Those can be valuable too, but much like Jordan Crawford after his Player of the Month award, it is a little bit disappointing (if not unexpected).