Draft can't cure Sixers ills

On the eve of the NBA Finals, the 76ers are preparing to watch it at home for the 22nd time in 23 years. But later this month, comes the draft, a day when all of the lovable losers of the NBA pick up their newest saviors and goats.

Although a part of me wants to keep hope alive for a great pick, the Sixers really have no shot of fixing their problems. GM Billy King's picks since 2000 have been lackluster role players at best, with only one flashing signs worthy of a first-round draft pick (Andre Iguodala).

What the team needs is a trade. Allen Iverson and Chris Webber are obvious choices. Some fans I've talked to have said that trading AI will lead to years of cellar dwelling. If you don't make the playoffs with him, who cares if they're in third or last?

Iverson is still a great player and one of the best draws around the league. Even so, with the money that he brought in, the 76ers have never been able to find a running mate that can coexist with him (see Jerry Stackhouse, Keith Van Horn, Larry Hughes...even Chris Webber). Speaking with a former Sixer a few years ago, I was told, flat out, that "Philadelphia will never win a title with AI in town."

It was blunt, but I'm beginning to believe it, with sadness. Since he's arrived in town, AI has played the game harder than anyone I can remember. He gives a total effort on every play, which makes his on-court life admirable. Off the court, Iverson's had his media troubles, but nothing truly serious.

Although Webber can still score, he's a shadow of his former self. For as long as I can remember, he's been a player long on talent, but short on game presence. The Webber experiment in Philadelphia should be put out of its misery.

Speaking of needing to be put out of its misery, maybe it's the Billy King era. He was even outdone this season by Clippers GM Elgin Baylor. When that happens, it's time to go. Some people might ask, well who could replace him? I'm sure there are some assistant GMs somewhere looking to move on, or maybe Larry Brown would want to come back and finish the job. But two less obvious choices could be Julius Erving and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Both are part of the 50 greatest players of all time, and have front office and scouting experience.

With King making the choice on June 28, and a shower-deep draft pool, another mediocre player is surely on his way. Cheers to standing pat...in the middle of the pack.

Technorati Tags:Allen Iverson,Chris Webber,76ers