Ed Stefanski: Sixer Savior? | jsams's Blog

I know it's a little late, but as promised here comes the Ed Stefanski spotlight my 6 fans have been waiting for. I just want to share one quick thought after just watching the Lakers/Celtics game. I cannot stand and of the Lakers or most of their fans. Also, KG cemented himself as one of the most unclutch "superstars" we've ever seen. Back to Stefanski.

Like most Sixer fans, I was ecstatic when the news broke that Billy King was fired and Ed Stefanski was our new GM. However; as the numerous blunders of the Mike Wilbon look-a-like, Billy King flashed before my eyes I had no idea who Edward Stefanski was. This lead me to perform a little research. Was this die-hard Philadelphia guy, with a weird sounding last name going to bring a title back to the Sixers? Let's take a look at his résumé.

Here's a link to his biography. "Ed has earned a reputation throughout the NBA as a keen evaluator of basketball talent, from both those who are homegrown as well as the burgeoning European talent pool." This is a very encouraging quote. Now if he can just refrain from throwing 10 million dollars a year at an underachieving center, we'll be good to go. Here's a small sample size of the people he helped bring into New Jersey:

-Kenyon Martin

-Traded Eddie Griffin for Brandon Armstrong, Jason Collins for Richard Jefferson.

-Nenad Kristic

-Traded two first rounders, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams and Alonzo Mourning for Vince Carter.

Those aren't as impressive of movies as I expected, but he hasn't had the chance to "run the show" for an extended period of time yet and has yet to make a horrible draft pick or acquisition. Since being in Philadelphia he's made nothing but good moves. The Kyle Korver trade was brilliant. It freed up cap room for this summer, allowed Thad Young to play and gave us trading leverage with a future first-rounder. He also gave Mo Cheeks a contract extension.

Honestly, I have no idea what to expect from Stefanski this summer. This off-season will either make or break the Sixers franchise for years to come. He either makes good moves and allows the franchise to take steps in the right direction or make "Billy King" moves, setting us back another decade. He seems like a really bright guy and has a good reputation, so far. The draft is his first real test and then the big one comes July 1st, when free agency begins. He has a real passion for Philadelphia sports, so I'm sure he'll think long and hard before every decision and do everything in his power to bring a title back to Philly. For your sake and my sake, I sure hope so.

I'll leave you with an interview Ed had with fellow blogger, Depressed fan back in January. Enjoy.