Grading the Sixers First “Team Needs” Mock Draft

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; A general view as the names of the first round draft picks are displayed above the stage during the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back at the draft, DraftExpress has the Sixers taking:

3 – D’Angelo Russell

35 – Nikola Milutinov

37 – Terry Rozier

47 – CEDI DA GAWD OSMAN

58 – TJ McConnell

60 – Aaron Harrison

If that was the actual outcome of the draft, I would have to unleash some very filthy shouts to the sky and shake my fist doing so. Russell, Milutinov and Cedi would all be a plus. However,  Rozier, McConnell and Harrison would be wasteful picks for the Sixers. I would be more inclined for them to take Qualls, Walker and another draft and stash player instead of those three.

Overall draft grade: B+

Giving the Sixers a B+ may be generous but grabbing maybe the second best offensive talent in the draft in D’Angelo Russell brings that grade up quite a bit. If Milutinov is as good as advertised, he could also be a very solid addition to the Sixers, as they need some size for their front court. Henry Sims, Furkan Aldemir and Thomas Robinson all spent time at center at the end of the season and the end product wasn’t great.

The thing that sticks out the most was when Aldemir had to guard Timofey Mozgov of the Cleveland Cavaliers and how much Mozgov DWARFED Aldemir. It was apparent that they need to add size to the front court. And lastly, grabbing a draft and stash in Cedi Osman would make this draft a pretty good draft.

Nothing is set in stone and this is a fun way to look at the possible outcomes for the draft. My guess is that the Sixers will not use all five draft picks for the draft and will look package a couple picks to move up in the draft.