You Talkin' to Me? New coach, No. 2 pick, but Sixers need time

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Gonzalez, John; Fitzpatrick, Frank

Re: The deuce

All right. Channel your inner Doug Collins. The NBA has taken pity on your new franchise and given you the second pick in the draft. What do you do with it, and why?

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Fitzpatrick, Frank

Re: The deuce

The 76ers are in a great spot (that's the first time those words have been arranged in that order in a long time). If they stay at No. 2, they get John Wall or Evan Turner. They shouldn't try to complicate this. That's how I get into trouble with my column. The thought process is too deep.

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: Gonzalez, John; Fox, Ashley

Re: The deuce

I don't see a franchise-turnaround player out there. I like Wall. I like Turner. But I think it's time to be creative.

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John

Re: The deuce

I don't think it's as black and white as Wall or Turner. I love DeMarcus Cousins. He's a gamble, yes, because there are questions about his dedication and his temper. But I like his mean streak, and he's got tremendous upside. He's got the potential to be a beast, and with Collins at the helm, it could be the perfect fit in terms of need and talent. You want creative, Fitzy? That'd be creative.

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: Gonzalez, John; Fox, Ashley

Re: The deuce

It's like when the 9-73 Sixers took Collins with the No. 1 overall. Nothing changed until they added George McGinnis and Dr. J. See a Dr. J out there anywhere?

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Gonzalez, John; Fitzpatrick, Frank

Re: The deuce

Well, that is the thing. One player isn't going to change the franchise. It's a rebuild. They've wasted the last five, six, seven years. People aren't patient, but they're going to have to be because this thing isn't going to get fixed for a while. But using this pick wisely would be a step in the right direction.

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: Gonzalez, John; Fox, Ashley

Re: The deuce

Agreed. But change moves at a glacier-like pace in the NBA unless you can unearth a James, a Durant, a Duncan.

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Gonzalez, John; Fitzpatrick, Frank

Re: The deuce

True. Sadly, those guys aren't in this draft. Figures.

I see more mediocre hoops in our future.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Fitzpatrick, Frank

Re: The deuce

Totally agree. All seven season-ticket holders need to give it some time.