Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey acknowledged the team's inability to find rotation upgrades at the trade deadline, but still expressed optimism about the group. He noted that fans who were excited about the team before should be excited now as well, with players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey taking leaps in performance.
Morey also addressed concerns about the team ducking the luxury tax threshold for four consecutive seasons. He said the focus was on adding to the team, but ultimately no deal materialized that made sense. The CBA pressures were felt across the league, and Morey believes that going forward, those picks will help build the team in a good way.
The team's defense has been improved with Coach Nick Nurse making creative lineups adjustments. Paul George is expected to return from his 25-game suspension and contribute significantly to the team's success.
Regarding guard depth, Morey feels the team is deep and notes that players like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are stepping up their game. He also likes what Dominick Barlow has brought to the team, but acknowledges that they still need roster reinforcements.
Morey was asked about James Harden being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers and did not comment on whether he thinks it's a "needle-moving" trade. However, he said that if ownership was willing to allow him to surpass the luxury tax threshold, he would have taken advantage of it.
The team's protocol for players clearing medications or substances they are taking with the team beforehand was not disclosed by Morey.
In terms of free agency, Morey expressed interest in re-signing Quentin Grimes, but acknowledged that negotiations can be complex. The Sixers' approach to player development and roster management was also discussed, with a focus on creating a sustainable core.
Overall, Morey's comments suggest that the team is committed to building around its core players and finding creative solutions to improve their chances of success in the playoffs.
Morey also addressed concerns about the team ducking the luxury tax threshold for four consecutive seasons. He said the focus was on adding to the team, but ultimately no deal materialized that made sense. The CBA pressures were felt across the league, and Morey believes that going forward, those picks will help build the team in a good way.
The team's defense has been improved with Coach Nick Nurse making creative lineups adjustments. Paul George is expected to return from his 25-game suspension and contribute significantly to the team's success.
Regarding guard depth, Morey feels the team is deep and notes that players like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are stepping up their game. He also likes what Dominick Barlow has brought to the team, but acknowledges that they still need roster reinforcements.
Morey was asked about James Harden being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers and did not comment on whether he thinks it's a "needle-moving" trade. However, he said that if ownership was willing to allow him to surpass the luxury tax threshold, he would have taken advantage of it.
The team's protocol for players clearing medications or substances they are taking with the team beforehand was not disclosed by Morey.
In terms of free agency, Morey expressed interest in re-signing Quentin Grimes, but acknowledged that negotiations can be complex. The Sixers' approach to player development and roster management was also discussed, with a focus on creating a sustainable core.
Overall, Morey's comments suggest that the team is committed to building around its core players and finding creative solutions to improve their chances of success in the playoffs.
. Morey said it now, but he was right when he thought fans would be excited last season too, and the team did show improvement. Those young players are gonna help build something special in Philly, I'm sure of it 
. It's not gonna be easy though, I remember when I was younger, teams had to deal with CBA pressures all the time...
! And I gotta say, those lineups adjustments by Coach Nurse have really paid off, their defense has improved so much 
. And omg can't wait to see Paul George back on the court! 
. They've got a solid foundation with Embiid and Maxey, and Nurse's lineup changes have really paid off on defense 
. The addition of new players like Barlow and Edgecombe is also a big plus 
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. It's interesting that Morey isn't saying much about Harden being traded away though... is that a sign of things to come? 
to me! I mean, if Daryl Morey's gonna say they're excited about Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey taking leaps, but then can't even get a decent deal done at the deadline... what does that say about their priorities? And let's not forget those luxury tax thresholds - it's like they're playing a game of whack-a-mole with CBA rules 
. But, I'll give 'em credit, they've managed to make some savvy moves through picks and player development 
. Still, if they want to be true contenders, they need to take a more aggressive stance in free agency... or else. And that whole thing with James Harden? Yeah, I think Morey's being coy about it 
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, I think it's awesome that Daryl Morey is being optimistic about the team despite not getting any major upgrades at the trade deadline. It sounds like they're focusing on developing their existing talent and using those draft picks to build for the future 
. With players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey improving their games, I'm excited to see how this plays out 
like, we're all just trying to figure out how to get to the good stuff without getting our paws dirty 
. Dominick Barlow is looking sharp and VJ Edgecombe is stepping up his game, so that's a win! But let's be real, we still need some solid additions to make this team go toe-to-toe with the other top contenders.
Can't wait to see what this season holds for us! 
. i know some fans are disappointed with the lack of moves at the trade deadline, but he's right on point - those young players like maxey and embiid are killing it! 
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. Fingers crossed they actually do something meaningful in the offseason! 
Joel Embiid & Tyrese Maxey are killin it this season! 
we just need to add a few more depth pieces & I'm all in for the playoffs 
! Daryl Morey's got his work cut out for him, but it sounds like they've got a solid foundation with guys like Embiid and Maxey killin' it on the court 
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