New general manager Elton Brand is starting his Philadelphia 76ers tenure with a major gamble. This weekend's blockbuster Jimmy Butler deal officially puts the Sixers in win-now mode, but there are no guarantees this trade actually makes the team better -- let alone sets the franchise up to make a Finals run.
The Sixers are 8-6, just 2½ games back of second place in the East. But their key statistical indicators show they've played more like a lottery team than a contender. Philly ranks 19th in net rating and 21st in offensive efficiency. Yikes.