Philadelphia 76ers didn’t have much interest in Royce White, per report

The former first-round pick wasn’t the target in the trade that brought him to Philly from the Rockets.

Aug 31, 2013, 4:47 PM UTC

Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

The Philadelphia 76ers traded for Royce White this offseason, but a Phillyburbs.com report indicates that the Sixers' presumed interest in the divisive big man is not as strong as once thought.

Phillyburbs writer Tom Moore reported that Sixers GM Sam Hinkie's primary target in the White deal, in which the 76ers gave up only "future considerations," was the rights to Turkish power forward Furkan Aldemir. From Moore:

As for the embattled White, Hinkie answered a question about White’s possible role on the team generically and never mentioned White by name.
An NBA source said the Rockets, who dealt him to the Sixers on July 6 along with a second-round pick and Turkish power forward Furkan Aldemir for future considerations and cash, are picking up the $1.7 million salary of White, who has an anxiety disorder and is afraid to fly. That means the Sixers have nothing invested in White - and that the 21-year-old Aldemir was the primary target in the deal, which the source confirmed.

SB Nation’s Sixers blog Liberty Ballers reported the same months ago, just after the trade.

Hinkie was a member of the Houston Rockets' front office that drafted Royce White and saw up close the strain between White, who suffers from an anxiety disorder and has a serious fear of flying, and the Rockets. The Rockets picking up 100 percent of White's 2013-2014 salary means the Sixers don't have any vested interest in catering to White's special circumstances.

As for Aldemir, he was drafted 53rd in the 2012 Draft by the Clippers and his rights were traded to the Rockets that night. The 6’9, 22-year-old power forward played 13.2 minutes per game for Turkish power Galatasaray, and showcased, among other skills, a solid nose for the ball off the glass. From his DraftExpress scouting report:

Aldemir stands somewhere between 6-9 to 6-10, with a strong frame, good length, and average athleticism by NBA standards. He doesn’t run the floor or elevate off the ground exceptionally well, but plays with toughness and intensity and is effective in the simple, but important role that’s asked of him.
Aldemir rarely touches the ball outside the paint, with virtually all of his offense being created for him by teammates around the rim. He’s utilized heavily as a pick and roll finisher, showing good hands and the strength to power his way up around the basket through contact, sometimes with a dunk. While not incredibly explosive with his finishes, he’s not afraid to take a hit in the paint and get to the foul line, where he converts 65% of his attempts.

Aldemir’s contract doesn’t allow for an NBA opt-out until 2014, so the Sixers hope another few years of development in Europe will come in handy when their young core begins to develop. He could potentially be an ideal defensive backup to Nerlens Noel down the road.