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 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

International House of Opportunity

Bryan Colangelo tends to seek talent for the NBA from international teams.  Right now, that is a guaranteed link to both Furkan Korkmaz and Vasilije Micic, who are Euroleague prospects awaiting their opportunity to compete in the NBA.

Vasilije Micic is a a 22 year old 6-foot-5 203 pound guard from Kraljevo, Serbia, (formally Yugoslavia).  He originally signed to play in the Euroleague for FC Bayern Munich.  However, he ruptured his elbow in November of 2014, just months after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers at the 52nd spot in the 2014 NBA draft.

Micic is finally getting playing time, and producing.  Playing at both guard positions, he has been putting up some solid numbers so far.  He is averaging 10.9 points per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the floor as well as from three point range.  He is also contributing 2.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on an average of 28.4 minutes per game.

Furkan Korkmaz is a 19 year old 6-foot-7 185 pound guard as well.  He was the runner up in the 2016 NBA Draft as a “3 and D” prospect, behind Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.  In the Turkish BSL league, Korkmaz delivered on that potential with a 56.2 percent shooting accuracy from three point range.   He also contributed on defense, despite only getting 13 minutes per game.

With little effort, either Micic, Korkmaz, or both players could be signed to the Philadelphia 76ers next season.  Since the team has already committed to Ben Simmons as the point guard of the future, either prospect would bring height, versatility, and outside shooting to the team.

Next: Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 5 Things to Watch For

The Philadelphia 76ers may not have much interest in retaining many players next season. The team currently boasts the top two rookies in the NBA. That’s particularly newsworthy when you realize that top draft selection Ben Simmons has not yet played a basketball game. With a young rookie core of Dario Saric, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, the team may be content to add young talent who will mature and develop alongside their young stars.