Sportando interviews Jake Pavorsky from Liberty Ballers

Sportando interviewed Jake Pavorsky, co-editor at Liberty Ballers and one of the best young writers in the NBA world. We talked about the Thad Young's trade and the future of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Hi Jake,

first of all, thank you for your availability. I wanna ask you a couple of questions about the Thad Young's trade, so let's start:

Which is your grade on this trade? It's a good move or not?

I give the trade a B+. I think it's a good move because Thad had made it clear he wanted out, and was going to walk as a free agent this upcoming summer. The goal was to always get a first round pick for him, and they were able to achieve that. It's likely to be somewhere in the 20-25 range is my guess, but if Deng and Wade miss a lot of games like they have in the past, it could be a low lottery pick. Mbah A Moute is nice to have around for Embiid's sake (they're close friends). Shved will have a chance to play some serious minutes this year and prove he may be worth something. They did pretty well here.

Do you think that Sixers made this move only for the first-round pick or maybe they see some kind of value in Mbah A Moute and Shved?

It's always been and continue to be about the first round picks. 2015 will be the third year in a row the Sixers have had 2 first round picks, and it's not coincidental. Hinkie believes (and I agree) that the way you build a franchise is through the draft, and what better way to do it then to have multiple high first round picks in three consecutive seasons. Shved may be a bit of a nice reclamation project, but no doubt this was for the pick. Everything else is filler.

About Mbah A Moute: he's a defensive specialist and he essentially discovered Joel Embiid in Cameroon. Do you think that his presence will help Embiid in his setting process in the NBA?

I think Mbah a Moute's presence will probably make Embiid a little more comfortable as he transitions to the NBA. Granted, Embiid isn't playing this season so he won't have to deal with too much, but having a close friend there can't hurt. 

Thad Young was a fan favorite in Philly and he'll be missed, how do you see him with the Timberwolves? Do you think that is the right context for him?

I think Thad will start right away for Minnesota, and it probably won't be a terrible fit. I don't want to say his skill set is similar to that of Kevin Love, but he has the ability to space the floor the way Love did. Young's range extends all the way to the three point line like Love, although he obviously isn't as consistent from beyond the arc. He'll fit right in offensively, but probably won't contribute too much more than Love did defensively either. He'll play well there, but I honestly have doubts he'll want to be there longterm. He's been through enough rebuilding projects for one career.

This season will be very tough for Philadelphia, the team is full of rookies and second-round player. But, for you, what's the most important progress that the team could accomplish this season?

For me, the most important thing for the Sixers is to watch MCW and the rookies (Nerlens Noel included) progress throughout this season. Carter-Williams had an unexpectedly solid rookie campaign, but he needs to make sure that he's able to improve upon the flaws in his game. I'm really looking for him to develop a pull up jumper this season. He was great attacking the basket in 2013-14, but that's not gonna be good enough forever. He needs to really show improvement in his entire offensive arsenal (jump shot, floater, three point catch-and-shoot). I don't expect the world from him, but just to be able to build off what he did last season.

With guys like Nerlens, McDaniels, Grant, and McRae, I just want to see them be able to find a niche on this team and just take the opportunity to log some serious minutes to their advantage.

Your prediction about the starting five.

Carter-Williams/McDaniels/Thompson/Noel/Sims.

A question about the second-rounders: McDaniels, Jerami Grant, Jordan McRae. Who of these guys will make a better impact on the team?

I think McDaniels is going to have the biggest impact by far. The Sixers are trying to develop him as a two guard so he'll likely have the opportunity to start, but I think he's interchangeable as either a two or a wing player. He can match up well with either position on the other end of the court, and is going to be a real strong weak side defender. He showed off the three ball a little in Summer League, and I think he's gonna be a real good 3-and-D type player.

Ok, final question, very important: It's pretty clear that Joel Embiid needs a girl, do you think that he has some chance with Rihanna?

He's gotta have a chance with Rihanna. He clearly cares about her, and after a couple rough relationships with some dudes I'll leave unnamed, I don't think anyone is going to treat her better than Embiid. She follows him on twitter, so clearly there may be some mutual interest there. I wish the best for those crazy kids.

Thanks for your time, Jake.

My pleasure, Orazio. Lemme know if you need anything else.