Grading how each top NBA Draft prospect fits alongside Ben Simmons
De’Aaron Fox
If Philadelphia is looking to build the best fast break in the league, they should look no further than De’Aaron Fox.
Not only is Fox one of the most polished point guards in the draft, he also has one of the highest ceilings for his position.
His position play is strong, he’s a crafty scorer and he’s a good defender, but again, he locks Simmons into small forward, and he’s not quite the shooter he needs to be to play off the ball.
Essentially, as good as point guard as Fox is, and as high a ceiling as he has, he presents the same problems as Ball, only he possesses fewer weapons.
Fox is not projected to go in the top three of the Draft. His range is being seen on draft boards anywhere from 4-10.
If Philly does indeed end up in the higher end of that range, it may be worthwhile to either trade the pick, or to go with one of the more flexible lottery options.
Grade: B-
Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith is an intriguing prospect in the same mould as Josh Jackson – he’s an incredibly explosive athlete, to a point where you’d almost be surprised to see him not succeed in the NBA.
The Association is well known to reward athleticism, especially at the point guard position.
But Smith is not just an athlete. He averaged 6 assists per game in his freshman season with North Carolina State and is known around the industry to have the kind of personality to be able to handle point guard at the NBA level.
But for every Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook that arrives in the League, there’s a Baron Davis and a Steve Francis. In fact, interestingly, three of those four have all struggled with injury brought on by their incredible physical tools.
Not that it’s an indicator for future problems, but Smith has already struggled with a torn ACL, which saw him miss his senior year of high school.
Again, his ability to be able to get the balance right with Simmons also comes into question. His shot is still streaky, and scouts have pointed to so-so form.
Ultimately, Smith is Robin to Lonzo Ball’s Batman in this draft.
Grade: C+
Jonathan Isaac
If Philly wanted to roll out a lineup of four 6-10-plus monsters, they could go with Ben Simmons, Robert Covington, Jonathan Isaac, Dario Saric and Joel Embiid.
That’s all this pick would be good for.
Not only is this a poor fit for what the 76ers need to address, it is as risky a pick as they come in the lottery.
The phrases “still learning the game”, and “great long term potential” when used together, are usually a poor sign. Scouts point to his body, his athleticism and his coordinator as upsides, but really, all they are all he has.
Next: Signing Kyle Lowry Would Be Distinctly Anti-Process
Don’t get me wrong; Isaac is certainly doesn’t have zero chance to succeed in the NBA. His upside has been compared to Rashard Lewis, who was highly valuable on good Seattle and Orlando teams.
But on a team featuring BS, Dario Saric, Joel Embiid and even Richaun Holmes, I don’t see a need for a Rashard Lewis.
That’s if he even makes it that far.