In adding Craig Brackins and Darius Songaila, the 76ers have taken another step toward establishing an identity. The move had a purpose. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated explains in this tweet exactly what that purpose is:
Just talked to Rod Thorn. Big fan of Brackins. Looking to load roster with as many shooting bigs as possible.
Chris Mannix
ChrisMannixSI
Thorn has a history of acquiring jump-shooting big men; remember, he traded for Yi Jianlian during his days with the Nets. In Brackins and Songaila, the team now has two more floor-spreading bigs, in addition to Spencer Hawes and Marreese Speights. Though Songaila is likely only a one-season rental--his contract ends next summer--he can still be useful in short spurts in filling that role.
Whether stocking a team full of shooters at power forward is wise remains to be seen; in broad terms, the two-point jumper is the least efficient shot in the game. But if these youngsters can develop a consistent three-point stroke, they'll keep driving lanes for Evan Turner, Andre Iguodala, and Jrue Holiday open for many seasons to come.