Bad decisions, failed gambles, missed hunches have left the Sixers with a mishmash roster of fading veterans, disappointing underachievers and uncertain young talent.
The problem is that even though the Sixers are 22nd in the league in team salary, their bloated payroll of $62.9 million is still well over the NBA cap of $57.7 million.
And for the 2010-11 season, when the cap is expected to drop, the Sixers' payroll is expected to rise to $65 million.
That's why the Sixers should do whatever it takes to win the Tracy McGrady sweepstakes. The Houston Rockets are ready to part ways with McGrady and his league-high $23.2 million salary.
The Sixers should make the winning offer - not because the oft-injured McGrady suddenly will regain his All-Star form, but because his contract expires at the end of the season.
The only way to dramatically change your fortunes in the NBA is either to get lucky with a once-in-a-generation draft pick or create flexibility in your payroll.
Sixers fans aren't stupid.
This isn't like in 1996, when the Sixers struggled with Iverson, but were OK because fans knew the rookie sensation had the abilities to lead them to something greater.
They look at the current roster and question whether the young players such as Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday and Marreese Speights will ever become true franchise players.
They see Elton Brand, with a $14.8 million salary that will rise to $18.1 million over the next three seasons, and understand that's too much invested in a guy who not only failed to be a franchise changer, but can't even stay in the starting lineup.
They watch Samuel Dalembert, who still has another year on his contract worth $12 million, and again curse former president and general manager Billy King.
