Mar 19, 2014; Dayton, OH, USA; Cal Poly Mustangs guard Jamal Johnson (24) goes up for a shot ahead of Texas Southern Tigers guard Madarious Gibbs (3) and center Aaric Murray (24) in the second half of a college basketball game during the first round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Point Me In The Right Direction
Jamal Murray
The consensus of virtually anyone I’ve read or spoken with has linked the Philadelphia 76ers to University of Kentucky Wildcat Jamal Murray in the 206 NBA Draft. The 6′
1
4″ 201 pound Canadien point guard is projected to go extremely early, as he is one of the smartest guards to project to the NBA. While he is a shooting guard, his skillset will likely translate to the point guard role at the pro level. Versatile, agile, and cerebral, his command of the floor has kept him in the discussion of basketball elite.
Melo Trimble
Should Murray fail to achieve all that is expected of him, the Sixers could look towards University of Maryland Terrapin point guard Melo Trimble. Romelo Delante “Melo” Trimble is a 6’3″ 190 point true point guard who shot 86% from the foul line and averaged 16.2 points per game in his freshman season.
"“I am excited about spending another year with my teammates and building on what we accomplished this year,” Trimble said. “I want to thank Coach Turgeon for helping my mom and I through this process. This was the best decision for me. Being a member of the Maryland basketball program has been an unbelievable experience and I can’t wait to be back in front of the best fans in college basketball next season.”"
Trimble is definitely offense, but his second year in the NCAA will help him harness his playmaking savvy.
Isaiah Briscoe
A third prospect for the point is another wildcat, 6’3″ 205 pound Isaiah Briscoe. Briscoe is the teammate of Murray, and is therefore a likely consolation prize to some team who coveted Murray but could not reach him in the draft. Briscoe brings his own set of skills, as he has an incredible first step which gives him the advantage when getting to the basket.
With the Sixers exploring so many point guard options this season: Pierre Jackson, Scottie Wilbekin, Isaiah Canaan, and Tony Wroten, the aftermath of the season will likely have the best pair from the team moving forward. Add a top draft pick and the team will convert a question mark into an exclamation point.
This is just two positions, and will likely be just two of the Sixers potential four draft picks in that first round. Since the NCAA season lies ahead, the names of top prospects for either position could change. That’s why I’m putting names out there for you now. Check these prospects out, and feel free to volunteer some names of players you feel might be part of our 2016 NBA draft board. I will enjoy checking those names out as well.
Next: 2016 Or Bust