Don’t Crown D’Angelo Russell as the King of Philadelphia Yet
And when we all dream at night, it’s of D’Angelo Russell in a Sixers jersey…
When the Sixers landed the third pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the church bells were rang all throughout Philadelphia. It seemed destiny that D’Angelo Russell, the slick shooting guard from Ohio State, would be in a Sixers uniform in due time.
But, doesn’t that almost seem too obvious?
Heading into the 2014 NBA Draft last season, I remember being convinced about Dante Exum coming to Philadelphia. I wasn’t the only one and people were convinced that he was coming to Philly. After Joel Embiid broke a bone in his foot, it was guaranteed that Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker would go 1-2, leaving Exum to Philly.
Dante Exum had a strong workout in Philly on Sunday. Don’t think he slides past 3.
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) June 23, 2014
Well, we all know how that ended, right?
Sixers GM Sam Hinkie doesn’t reveal his cards to anyone, he’s probably a terrific poker player. This city seems to have it’s eyes set on D’Angelo Russell and rightfully so. The freshman guard shot from 41 percent from deep this year and would be the floor spacer the Sixers need. However, there are concerns about his athleticism and weak play against top competition in the NCAA. But, the jury is still out on whether his weak play against great defenses was Russell being exposed or his lack of help at Ohio State being exposed.
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Still, don’t get your hopes up. That’s one life lesson that Sam Hinkie has taught me. Don’t convince yourself something is going to happen, unless it actually happens. The Sixers are no way locked into Russell at No. 3 and there are plenty of other viable candidates on the board that Hinkie could absolutely take. Players like Emmanuel Mudiay, Mario Hezonja, Kristaps Porzingis and maybe even Justise Winslow are possibilities.
Name I've consistently heard tied to #sixers over last few months is Kristaps Porzingis. Told Hinkie has been a frequent visitor of Sevilla.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) May 24, 2015
Porzingis could be an (unconventional) option at #3, could be a target if #sixers move down, or if Sixers acquire a 2nd top-10 pick.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) May 24, 2015
Could Hinkie wind up drafting Russell? Absolutely. But, the last thing that this fan base needs is to wreck havoc via Twitter dot com if the Sixers general manager goes another way. Listen to all of the rumors and reports that happen in the next month, but never put too much stock into anything. If anything, try to make this a game and think of what Hinkie will do with the No. 3 pick. Think unconventional, think insane.
Hinkie will take the best player available, but what you and I think about the best player available and what Hinkie thinks could be the polar opposite.
I was crushed as a child (as I’m sure all of you were), when I found out that Santa Claus was a fictional character. I was also crushed (and pissed) that I was leaving my tooth until a pillow for the Tooth Fairy, who also wasn’t real. D’Angelo Russell hasn’t been drafted by anyone, so don’t convince yourself that he’s already here.