Just How Good Are Philadelphia 76ers 2016 NBA Rookie Class?

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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 /

Furkan Amazing

Furkan Korkmaz is the 26th selected player from the 2016 NBA Draft. He was the closest prospect to the “3-and-D” prospect in the draft to the potential of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.

Furkan Korkmaz is the first player in the 2016 NBA Draft subject to the “draft-and-stash” method of placing young talent overseas in the Euroleague. That “draft-and-stash” method was used to grow Dario Saric into an NBA ready forward.

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But Furkan Korkmaz is younger, and less-refined, than the 2014 version of Dario Saric. Can he get the playing time overseas? Right now, he is a subject of conflicting reports of reassignment to Pinar Karsiyaka to improve his playing time.

Still Growing

Korkmaz is still growing physically, and that dictates the timing of his talent development. While he has a good foothold in fundamentals of basketball, practice makes perfect. As Korkmaz improves overseas, the Philadelphia 76ers will be working through backcourt growing pains this year. This off-season, the team risks losing Sergio Rodriguez, T.J. McConnell, and even Hollis Thompson, all of whom have helped the 76ers back court.

Korkmaz is by no means a certainty in terms of future NBA starter. But he has the potential, and will get the time, to fully develop to seize the NBA opportunity when extended his way. In the end, his scouting report promises huge upside.

Rookie Grade: B –