The Philadelphia 76ers have had a rough start to this season, and are already looking forward to the next NBA Draft. Here’s some players Sixers fans should be watching.
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver addresses the crowd before the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
After a 1-30 start for the Philadelphia 76ers it seems that most fans have given up on this season. Most Sixers writers (myself included), have preached that Sixers games should be watched to show you a glimpse into the future. The games should be watched to see what the team could be and not what it is. Unfortunately Philadelphia fans do not have patience, and everyone wants to see something now, refusing to wait. Many have given up watching the Sixers this season, and with the Philadelphia Eagles potentially not making the playoffs Philly fans need something to entertain them. So why not watch our number one draft pick for next year play right now?
I am a fan of college basketball, but the NBA is and always will be where my passion resides. I will watch college games when the Sixers aren’t on TV. I usually watch Duke, Villanova, and Gonzaga games because they are teams I have grown fond of watching over the years. If you’re like me you don’t just turn on the TV to turn into the LSU vs. Oklahoma game. Chances are you haven’t seen many of the potential Sixers prospects play basketball this season. For this reason I decided to write an article with a list of five college players for Sixers fans to watch article.
The problem is I watch so much NBA basketball that I don’t have time to scout out college basketball players. So I decided to team up with the person I know who has the most college basketball knowledge of anyone not named Andy Katz. His name is D.C. Gaitley. D.C. is a former division one college basketball player at Fordham University, seasoned sports blogger, owner of 6th Boro Hoops, and most importantly my cousin.
I overheard D.C. talking about March Madness last year, as he was talking about players I had never heard of. I asked how many players for teams in the field of 68 he could name. He estimated that he could name the starting lineups for most teams. I pulled out my phone and picked three of the most random teams I could think of, pulled up their rosters, and asked him to name players. I sat there with my jaw on the floor as he names seven or more players from three obscure teams. I dubbed him from that day forward my NCAA correspondent for all my future writing.
The following five slides are D.C.’s words on which college players Sixers fans should have their eye on for the remainder of this season with some added comments by yours truly.
Next: Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons, Forward, LSU
Dec 2, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts to the crowd during the second half of a game against the North Florida Ospreys at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated North Florida 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
"Simmons is a once in a decade type of prospect. At 6’10, 240lbs the LSU star has the kind of size and athleticism that fits with the way the NBA is shifting in terms of players being able to fit in multiple positions with his Magic Johnson like vision and length that will come in handy defensively. Simmons ranks seventh in the entire country in defensive rebounding percentage. To put that rebounding number in perspective, Frank Kaminsky, Jahlil Okafor and Karl Anthony-Towns all boasted significantly lower rebounding percentages than the guard-forward form Australia. One knock on Simmons’ game is the fact that he has only attempted two three pointers this season, but his 73% foul shooting suggests that his form isn’t completely broken. – D.C. Gaitley"
Ben Simmons is my clear cut favorite player in this draft. I don’t care that he isn’t at a position that the Sixers need but you can’t pass on a talent like his. Simmons is the only player in this draft that screams superstar to me. Fans may not think Simmons fits with the Sixers, but his ability to rebound and push the ball in transition certainly fits the run-and-gun offense that Brett Brown, and Mike D’Antoni want.
Next: Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray, Point Guard, Kentucky
Dec 19, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) drives around Ohio State Buckeyes forward Keita Bates-Diop (33) during the second half at Barclays Center. Ohio State Buckeyes won 74-67. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
"Murray hasn’t found the instant success in college that many believed he would have after his performance in the Pan-Am games, but I would say that has more to do with the fact Kentucky is one of the worst three point shooting teams in the country. Teams have been able to sag off and clog the lane to prevent Murray from causing havoc as he did for Canada this summer. The Canadian is a much better shooter than his 33% three point shooting percentage indicates so look for Murray to improve as the season goes along. – D.C. Gaitley"
D.C. told me before the season started to watch Jamal Murray as a potential Sixer and I have. Murray is very interesting player, not explosive and appears un-athletic at times, but boasts a 39 inch vertical leap. Murray is criticized for not having a great three point shot, but looks comfortable hitting three pointers, and does so with defense constantly contesting his shots. I tried to come up with a comparison for Murray and the only person I can think of is that Murray is a better shooting, better play making Michael Carter-Williams.
Next: Kris Dunn
Kris Dunn, Point Guard, Providence
Mar 7, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) drives to the hoop against Butler Bulldogs forward Roosevelt Jones (21) during the first half at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
"The senior for Providence has been arguably the best player in the country this year. He ranks number one in the country in assist rate and may be the best perimeter defender in the nation as he ranks second in steal percentage, which speaks volumes to how hard he plays on both ends of the court. I have Murray ranked slightly above Dunn because of Dunn’s high turnover rate and inability to improve on his shooting during his four years. The senior is only 6/26 this year after shooting a respectable 35% last year. This is not me saying that Dunn will be a “bust” just that Murray ultimately has the higher ceiling. – D.C. Gaitley"
I think D.C. is spot on with this evaluation of Dunn. Dunn is impressive that is certain, but I would much rather roll the dice with Murray than Dunn. Dunn reminds me of a Patrick Beverley type defender which I love, but I would rather have Murray. If Dunn fell into later in the draft I would mind having him as our second or third pick of the night.
Next: Brandon Ingram Forward Duke
Brandon Ingram, Forward, Duke
Mar 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All American athlete Brandon X Ingram (13) poses for pictures during portrait day at the Westin Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
"Ingram may end up being better than Dunn and Murray in the NBA, but you can’t overlook the fact that he looked completely overwhelmed against Kentucky, Georgetown and VCU. He is 6’9″, 195lbs so the easy comparison is to Kevin Durant and even though they share similar traits, KD was miles ahead of Ingram at the same stage. Ingram has a silky smooth and effortless jumper that translates to any level and his size and length will allow him to guard most three men in the game, but his ball skills must improve if he wants to take that jump to be a star. – D.C. Gaitley"
Ingram is intriguing. On one hand when you watch him all you think is Kevin Durant, but then as D.C. pointed out, he is no where near as impressive as Durant was at Texas. Mix that with the fact that Ingram is struggling to play defense (I know he blocks well, but has been a poor on ball defender), and we have someone I don’t feel comfortable drafting with the number one or two overall draft pick.
Next: Wade Baldwin
Wade Baldwin IV, Point Guard, Vanderbilt
Dec 19, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) drives against Wofford Terriers guard Derrick Brooks (1) during the second half at Memorial Gym. Vanderbilt won 80-56. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
"The Sixers need a point guard for the future and I really think Baldwin could be the steal of the draft in the middle to late of the first round. At a shade over 6’1″ the PG from Vandy doesn’t have ideal height, but his 6’10″ wingspan more than makes up for it and will allow him to stay with the shiftier guards in the NBA. The sophomore is shooting 50% from three and and is 70th in the country in true shooting percentage at 66%. This dude can ball and has outplayed his teammate Damian Jones, who is projected as a lottery pick. Right now most of the mock drafts have him going at around 18 in the draft, which would be incredible value for a relatively unknown guard coming into college. – D.C. Gaitley"
I have not seen much tape on Baldwin, and the availability of footage on him from college online is limited. From the little I have seen of Baldwin he can shoot, and sometimes struggles to finish around the basket. I will defer to D.C. on this one. By what he is saying Baldwin could be a great steal in the mid rounds of the draft. I will certainly be watching Vanderbilt games for the rest of the season.
Next: Conclusion
Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers mascot Franklin waves a flag at center court prior to tip off in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Conclusion
Of the five of the afore mentioned players, I am most excited about Ben Simmons. Like D.C. said Ben Simmons seems to be a generational talent like a LeBron James, or an Anthony Davis. Where Brandon Ingram feels more like a Ben McLemore, highly touted coming out of college, but quickly fades into obscurity. I am sure many fans who will read this post will think why should we draft Ben Simmons when we need a guard. To answer a question like that I will go with the old adage that you pick the best player available not necessarily the best player that fits your team. You’re not going to pass up Lebron James to get Kemba Walker because you need a point guard. Also as D.C. points out Wade Baldwin IV could be a great late round steal that would fill our true need later in the draft while giving us the freedom to select whoever we want with a top three pick.
Next: The 30 Best Sixers Scorers
Hopefully watching these potential Sixers players with fill the basketball void for some of you that is left by our current 1-29 Sixers. Leave comments and tell us who your interested in drafting and why.