I do think there is a bit more pressure on Hinke as we speak. His plan of having Noel, Embiid, & MCW backfired... and now he may only have Noel this year (although I do think Embiid will play sooner than later). He has to get someone that can help fill the seats, and I think Russell or Mudiay fills that bill. They offer hope. He needs a few gambles to pay off, McCray, whom they drafted from Tennessee last year and sent to Australia, where he lit it up. Pierre Jackson, who they traded for, but he tore his achilles after a promising start to summer league, is back. He need Saric to keep his promise and come over next year, instead of waiting on the collective bargaining agreement.
As you can see, thats a lot that has to fall into place. I think he learned a lesson this year with "protected" picks. They will trade into the back end of the first tonight, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one of those future first get traded this year for something tangible, like a young player.
I like his concept of getting a "star" player, what I don't like is his concept of redshirting so much talent. Neither of the first round picks from last year played this season, and may not play next season........ And young guys like Will Barton, Terrence Jones, Shabazz Muhammad, Kevin Saphrin, who aren't stars, but can help, need a home. I would like to see him start to look in those directions.
He's really putting himself in a hole the way he treats players like they are strictly "assets". Agents are getting frustrated, and at some point the Sixers will have to get rid of him because he doesn't understand the "smile, & handshake" part of business.
