2016 NBA Draft Top Five Prospects PLUS a Bonus

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May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown (right) poses with NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum after the 76ers receive the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Center. Australia. Thon Maker. 26. player. 29.

BONUS SLIDE II

With their 26th pick of the 2016 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers are equally more than happy to select the 7’1″” 216 pound forward from Australia, Thon Maker. Once more, the Sixers land incredible upside in a young man who may not be NBA ready today, but which is perfectly okay with a team with no room for rookie prospects.

Maker is another big man with incredible athleticism and versatility. His 7’1″ frame is deadly when anchored in passing lanes and he can only improve offensively and defensively over time. While there is no obvious spot on the roster for his play today, his upside warrants another Eurostash scenario.

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With the 24 and 26 picks, the Philadelphia 76ers will be making a subtle change to their international strategy. Rather than farming out prospects overseas to be used as NBA draft chips later, this is truly a “park and return” situation which will continue to afford the team an opportunity to remain strong as their abundant rookie contracts give way to more expensive second contracts.

And so, the 2016 NBA Draft is more than just a first pick. It is actually a stepping stone to a championship team.