The fluid laboratory known as the Philadelphia 76ers have played their way into a 17-win season so far. Additionally, they have played their way into a strange form of NBA relevancy. By season’s end it is highly likely that the Sixers (with a winning percentage of .239) will have exceeded the overall performances of the New York Knicks (.197), the Minnesota Timberwolves (.229), and they are within striking distance of the Los Angeles Lakers (.261).
Karl-Anthony Towns, the Kentucky freshman, has probably separated himself as the No. 1 pick. And while the Sixers still have a chance at one of the potential leading selections, their rise in the standings has varied these percentages greatly.
Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, Jahil Okafor, and Emmanuel Mudiay could be Sixers next year. Yet, Russell is undecided at the moment on entering the NBA Draft and the other three players are the consensus top picks. If the Sixers somehow encounter bad luck, these choices may pass them by.
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Nevertheless, the Sixers are obviously in the driver’s seat as well. Even if they miss out on the top three picks, they will have seven chances to land a superstar among the top-60 players available. This is in addition to players they already have overseas — Dario Saric anyone? — and the cash available for free agents. Incredible.
Having said this, something is developing here and is working in favor of the Sixers. It is their opportunity to steal away Justise Winslow at the perfect time. With most of the focus on Kentucky’s entire squad, Mudiay’s exploits in China, or the star power of Okafor, Winslow has not been considered a top three or four pick.
Furthermore, in my view, Winslow is the best player after Karl-Anthony Towns.
Winslow is a consistent yet unselfish scorer and has the ability to defend in transition. He is a very big and agile guard with a 6’10” wingspan that can also play small forward. Winslow can go out on the perimeter and defend as well.
Winslow’s tally of “chasedown blocks” has been a talking point all season.
Justise Winslow is being compared to Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler, both “two-way wings who do not need the ball in their hands to impact the game.” And if you are a Sixers fan who misses K.J. McDaniels, Winslow is similar in terms of body strength, absorbing contact, tremendous finishing plays, and an overall athleticism beyond his years.
As Duke entered the Sweet 16, Winslow shot nearly 50 percent and has shown the ability to connect from three. We all know that Duke was given the favorable region, but it is giving scouts the chance to see more of Winslow and his ability to get to the rim.
Overall, Justise Winslow had a very nice year with Duke. He averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game shooting 49 percent from the field. His stats only tell some of his value however, for he amassed a reputation for playing unselfish and running the floor consistently and relentlessly.
His latest performance on the big stage of the NCAA Tournament was most impressive. In a win vs. San Diego State, Winslow shot 60 percent from the field and collected 13 points and 12 rebounds. In Duke’s first game in the Tournament, he nearly tallied a triple-double.
This Jordan Brand All-American has a 6’10” wingspan, drawing comparisons to Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard. He is the best player in the draft outside of UK’s Karl-Anthony Towns.
I hope we get him. Go Sixers.
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