Addressing The 4 Biggest Philadelphia 76ers Draft Needs

Jan 8, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) dunks the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the game at Matthew Knight Arena. The Wildcats won 80-62. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2. A Starting Small Forward

While this spot could get filled by Dario Saric when he comes over from Turkey, the 76ers clearly need a talent upgrade on the wing. The team has been cycling through threes all season, and while Robert Covington, Hollis Thompson, and Luc Mbah a Moute all have their strengths, drafting someone who can do it all from outside would be of great benefit because all three of those guys have significant weaknesses.

Mbah a Moute is the most polished NBA player of the three, but his athleticism is questionable, and he simply can’t shoot from outside. Covington is a nice player who lacks consistency, and is better suited as a bench player. Same for Thompson, who can’t create his own shot and has been very inconsistent defensively this season after flashing potential last season. Throw in that K.J. McDaniels is going to probably walk in order to get a decent contract this summer, and there are holeson the 76ers’ perimeter.

If the 76ers fall out of the top three somehow, there are two very quality wings for them to address this need with. Stanley Johnson of Arizona is a perfect fit for the team from a style perspective-he’s a potential bulldog defensively, an athletic freak who can finish in transition and a solid cutter. The other option is Justise Winslow of Duke. He’s been underrated as Okafor’s sidekick at Duke, but Winslow’s a versatile three-point shooter who’s a solid passer and has good defensive potential as well. Either would be a good option if the Sixers miss out on Okafor, Towns, and Mudiay.

Later in the draft, the aforementioned Dekker and Johnson’s Arizona teammate, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, will be available. Hollis-Jefferson is the type of unsung, solid grit-and-grind player that Brett Brown would love, and we’ve already briefly discussed Dekker’s strengths.