The Sixer Sense
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NBA Lottery Results Dictate Philadelphia 76ers Draft Small Forward

By Bret Stuter

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 NBA Lottery Results are in. Drafting third in the 2017 NBA Draft dictates the Philadelphia 76ers look to small forward

The Philadelphia 76ers must select a player from five positional options to fill their roster in the 2017 NBA Draft: center, power forward, small forward, shooting guard, and point guard. As of today, at the third selection in that draft, the forces-that-be are steering the team towards small forward.

Here’s why:

Right now, the team has developing youth at four of five positions from the 2016 NBA Draft.
Center- Joel Embiid
Power Forward – Dario Saric
Shooting Guard – Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
Point Guard – Ben Simmons

Now, before the comment section fills with reasons why Ben Simmons is NOT a point guard, let’s just go with the official planning of the team for a moment.   The last true small forwards selected by the team were Jerami Grant (traded) and K.J. McDaniels (one-year contract expired) back in the second round of 2014.

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    • Draft Full Of Small Value

    So of all positions, the position currently in need in this draft is small forward. It just so happens that this draft is swarming with talent at that position as well. Even so, if the consensus NBA Draft transpires, the Philadelphia 76ers will be looking at Kansas Josh Jackson, Duke Jaysom Tatum, and Florida State Jonathon Isaac at three.

    Even more, if the team gets a tremendous offer to trade back?  Simply add A.G. Anunoby to that list.

    In fact, the team could address the position from talent in round two as well.

    The Philadelphia 76ers continue to construct a rather formidable roster.   As the team’s foundation lays out the future of the team, this draft must augment, not deflect nor concentrate talent in unneeded places.  The strength of this draft is backcourt and small forward.

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    Versatile Roster

    In conclusion, that is not to say that this draft is small forward or bust. Robert Covington is incredibly versatile, and can cover virtually all positions on the court.  In fact, Dario Saric can slide down to small forward.  As a matter of fact, even Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot can slide up to three.

    On the other hand, the Philadelphia 76ers are in a masterful position of having the best talent on the board available to the greatest need on the team.  This type of alignment does not happen often (just ask the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers).

    Next: Joel Embiid Genius Declaration Philadelphia 76ers Dethrone Cavs

    In the end, choose the player who amplifies the team’s overall talent level.