Philadelphia 76ers: 5 Upperclassmen to Watch in 2017

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Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots the ball against Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The extensive majority of the buzz surrounding the 2017 NBA Draft at this point has been centered around a promising crop of incoming freshman, with names such as Harry Giles, Markelle Fultz, and Josh Jackson dominating the conversation. However, when looking at the best prospects projected to be available after the forefront of the lottery, there a number of upperclassmen with compelling cases in regards to who the Philadelphia 76ers should consider.

While age has commonly been used as a negative, especially in recent years, when evaulating a draft prospect’s value, there are certainly benefits in remaining at school for multiple years that many fans tend to overlook. Leadership roles and legitimate voices in the locker room tend to blossom over time, while longer tenures at college programs often lead to more polished all-around skill sets when players first enter the next level of competition.

There’s reason to value a younger prospect and their increased room for growth from an age dynamic, but overlooking upperclassmen is an oft-made mistake and a trap that Sixers fans shouldn’t fall into.

If the Sixers do find themselves picking in the later half of the draft, whether via trade or by chance of an improved season by them or the Lakers, there’s reason for them to look for experience and development over youth if the talent is present.

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5 Upperclassmen to Watch in the 2017 NBA Draft Class

By Christopher Kline | Jul 9, 2016

The 2017 NBA Draft is expected to loaded with freshman talents, but fans shouldn’t ignore some of the solid upperclassmen that will likely be committing next season.