When the Sixers acquired G/F Jason Richardson and C Andrew Bynum in Aug. 2012, this was not exactly what they had in mind.
In the four team blockbuster trade, the Sixers traded away longtime F Andre Iguodala, C Nikola Vucevic, draft pick Moe Harkless, and a protected first-round draft pick.
In return, the Sixers received immediate impact players Bynum and Richardson. A team centered around the production of the newly acquired Bynum went downhill quickly, as Bynum has struggled with knee injuries since his arrival in Philadelphia.
As for Richardson, his presence coming off the bench as the team's sixth man and starting in 33 games this season was meant to help a relatively young team. But he too has struggled with injuries as of late and is now in line for season ending knee surgery that could ultimately end his career. Expected to be out for 9-12 months recovering from left knee surgery, Richardson still has two more years left on his contract, earning more than six million per season.
While Bynum has yet to step on the court for the Sixers, Richardson averaged 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.21 steals per game through 33 games with Philadelphia. Richardson averaged 28.4 minutes per game and was a threatening presence outside of the three point line for the Sixers.
The loss of Richardson comes at a poor time for the Sixers as F Thaddeus Young strained his left hamstring just days ago and is expected to miss at least three weeks.
Without Richardson in the lineup, the Sixers should expect increased playing time from guards Nick Young and Royal Ivey. In 33 games for Philadelphia this season, "Swaggy P" has averaged 25.4 minutes per game, 11.2 points per game and 1.4 assists per game.
The struggling Sixers can no longer sit around and wait for success to happen, as they must collectively overcome the injuries with the players already in their system. It seems unlikely that Philadelphia is unwilling to make any trades as their young core of players including G Jrue Holiday, G Evan Turner, and G Nick Young is the core of the Sixers for the foreseeable future.
On a positive note, the Sixers expect C Andrew Bynum to be back following the All-Star break. In recent weeks, Bynum has been running on a treadmill and getting himself back into basketball ready shape. His addition should help the Sixers not only on the court, but with ticket sales as well.
With the addition of Bynum, the Sixers hope to jump back into the playoff scene as they are currently ninth in the East standings, one position shy of the final playoff spot in the Eastern conference behind Milwaukee.
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