2016 NBA Draft Pick 26
Who Picked:Shooting Guard Furkan Korkmaz
Who Was There: Tyler Ulis, Dejounte Murray, Skal Labissiere
Analysis If you had preferred the Philadelphia 76ers to select Furkan Korkmaz at 24, you didn’t need to wait long before the team made the selection at 26. Once more, Korkmaz was projected to go much earlier in the draft due to his potential to develop into another 3-and-D NBA player. Similar to Luwawu-Cabarrot, Korkmaz is a terrific shooter and his experience deficit aligns with the Philadelphia 76ers timing. Draft and stash the young man now, allowing him to compete for a roster spot next season when he will be more competitive.
While we discussed both Ulis and Murray at 24, Skal Labissiere was a curious prospect. At 6-foot-11, he is hybrid big man who could slot in as either a center or power forward. He is a good shooter, but lost a top prospect reputation as he struggled a little with Kentucky. While the Philadelphia 76ers need neither power forward nor center this year, this may be the one who “got away” from the team.
All told, the Philadelphia 76ers had hoped to land either Korkmaz or Luwawu somehow, and ultimately landed both. Each addresses the need to find shooters on the team to surround Simmons with, and their potential is similar enough that should one fail to fully develop, the other should be able to step up. Still, Labissiere, a top prospect in his own right, was there.
Score: B+
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