The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers 2017-2018 Roster Projections

By Bret Stuter

Nov 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) controls the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) controls the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Filling holes Part One: Via 2017 NBA Draft

The Philadelphia 76ers are sitting in a pretty good spot right now looking at the 2017 NBA Draft. As of today, the team is sitting on a better than 50% chance of a top three pick in that draft.  Adi, plus another 6.1% chance of swapping into a top three pick thanks to the Sacramento Kings.

The team is also 98% assured of getting the Los Angeles Lakers pick first round pick, albeit in the range of 10-15.  Based on the depth of the draft next year, that will have a good chance of yielding a solid contributor or perhaps even a future starter.

Furthermore, in the second round,the team will enjoy the most and least favorable picks of the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks.  As of today, the team would select with the picks from the Pistons (42nd) and Warriors (59th).

As a matter of fact, with two first round picks, there are more options for players from the second round.  Perhaps they might be dealt to improve the position in future draft picks?  Perhaps the team might execute a draft / stash practice, similar to that which drafted Furkan Korkmaz  at 26 in the 2016 NBA Draft, only to encourage him to play in the Euroleage.

On the other hand, the team may select raw talented players, enroll them in the summer league program, and allow them to compete for a spot on the team.  Much like the way the team encouraged Shawn Long, Cat Barber, Dionte Christmas, and James Webb III to take a role with the Delaware 87ers.

Despite the potential attrition of five players, the team is not at great risk of losing starters. Saric will be the heir apparent in the power forward role.  Ben Simmons will likely begin his reign next year at the point guard role.  Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid will be healthy enough to take the full load at center.  That will allow Richaun Holmes to split his bench time between center and power forward roles. When the dust settles, it will be the small forward role of Hollis Thompson, already thin, which will be the challenge to fill going forward.