Philadelphia 76ers: Top 10 Prospects to Watch, 3rd Edition
Fultz reigns atop these rankings once again, as the Washington product continues to show an exceptionally well-rounded game. Despite the Huskies’ struggkles, Fultz is establishing himself as one of college ball’s most prolific scorers, while emerging as an elite playmaker as well.
Offensively, Fultz is truly the ultimate package at the one spot. He has excellent size at 6-5, and possesses a level and athleticism and craftiness that allows him to carve his way through the defense with ease. He makes great reads with the ball in his hands, and has the most advanced understanding of how to operate an offense outside of Lonzo Ball.
Fultz is the best guard prospect in recent years, and there’s very slim competition for that title at this point. He backs up his passing with a smooth outside shot — 50 percent from deep — and the ability to operate with exceptional success in transition.
He’s capable of covering both guard spots defensively as well, leaving a very pleasing floor and an overwhelmingly high ceiling.
Where he fits with the Philadelphia 76ers
The fit is pretty clear here. Fultz gives the Sixers another upper echelon playmaker alongside Simmons, and somebody who would instantly be handedthe ball to run the offense alongside him. His perimeter shooting would allow him to spot-up off of Simmons when needed, while his perimeter presence could open up even more room for the likes of Embiid on the interior.
Fultz, despite Simmons’ promise, would be the best prospect on this team — assuming Embiid is an established force. His ability to break down the defense and run an offense is something Brett Brown has never had before, and an asset that brings quite a bit of versatility to Philadelphia’s young roster.
Whether it was as a go-to scorer on the perimeter or a primary passer, Fultz would find a myraid of ways to contribute as a true cornerstone moving forward. It’s rare that a class so talented rolls around, but Fultz has established himself in rare air.
He feels like the undisputed top prospect at this stage in the season. That’s not going to change, barring some unforeseen occurrence.
Expert’s Opinion — Jeremy Woo, SI.com
"Although the Huskies are going through serious struggles, Fultz remains a fairly strong consensus at No. 1 as the New Year approaches. His combination of playmaking, size (a 6’10” wingspan!) and explosiveness had him here before he showed up in college and shot better than 40% from the three-point line. Fultz is a proven scorer off the dribble and should be able to create separation just fine. He also turns 19 in May, making him one of the younger prospects in the draft and adding an edge here. For comparison, consider the appeal D’Angelo Russell had two years ago: Fultz lacks a bit of the passing flair, but he’s a better athlete, has a chance to be an impact defender, and is fundamentally a stronger prospect. His combination of projectability and floor is unmatched in this class."
Next: Sixers' Hopes Go Beyond the 2017 NBA Draft
Big Board Rankings:
- Big Board 3.0 — 2
- Jeremy Woo — 1
- DraftExpress — 1
- Sam Vecenie — 1