2010-2011 Finish: 67-15

What went well

The Sixers are easily one of the most winningest franchises in the NLL but despite making the Finals four times, they only managed to win once. With a killer lineup, 2010-11 was supposed to be the year the team won it all. Despite breaking the NLL record for best finish ever (67-15), the Sixers' season ended on a bum note. So what happened?

After losing to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Finals, the Sixers took revenge, grabbing Manu Ginobili in a three-way deal that sent Paul Pierce to the Bucks. Next the time upgraded the bench, sending Udonis Haslem and some points away for sharpshooter JR Smith. After convincing big man Luis Scola to re-sign, GM VT then shipped off promising point guard Darren Collison to the New Orleans Hornets (as well as Leandro Barbosa to the Celtics), getting back floor general Rajon Rondo. Free involved signing center Omer Asik and third string PG Earl Watson. Finally, the Sixers welcomed big Zydrunas Ilgauskas back into the fold.

The team looked unstoppable, losing only 15 games all season long. Manu stayed healthy and destroyed the competition. The team handily won the Eastern Conference and knocked off the Knicks in a round one sweep. They then took the bite out of the Raptors 4-2 in the second round. The Sixers were poised for greatness.

What went worse

Then the hubris caught up to them. Heavily favored, the Sixers got swept by the on-fire Washington Wizards in the Conference Finals. It was a heartbreaking way for a season to end. It was time to evaluate the future.

Stars

- Manu Ginobili, G -

Ginobili ignated the Sixers, giving the squad its first true star since the Allen Iverson days (sorry, Pierce). He hit 23.2 ppg on 44% shooting and stayed healthy enough to play in 77 games. The arrival of Manu may have reduced some of Josh Smith's scoring opportunities, but he quickly established himself as the face of a very, very good.

 
Looking to the future

Cash is the name of the game for this coming season for the Sixers. With Marc Gasol, Jose Barea and Jonas Jerebko set to make major pay raises, this team cannot remain together without going millions into the luxury tax territory. It is now time for GM VT to make some hard choices and some smart changes. Rumor has it that forward Gerald Wallace will be the sacrificial lamb, set to be sent away to make room for Gasol's large deal. It won't stop there. It is unlikely the team can afford to keep Barea, Jerebko and Watson. JR Smith is gone in China and Big Z decided to call it quits. The new Sixers team will look considerably different than the one swept by the Wizards.

The Sixers selected Marcus Morris in the draft. Despite a glut of forwards, the big man was too good a value to pass up. He has the talent, but will he see playing time? GM VT has already announced that draftee Justin Harper will be traded before the season begins. In the second round, the team selected point guard Darius Morris, a strong passer loaded with potential. But until he discovers his shot, the Sixers will need to decide who will backup Rondo. It will be unlikely it's Barea as he will be asking for money the team does not have.