The Sixer Sense
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Should Philadelphia 76ers Consider Center In 2017 NBA Draft?

By Bret Stuter

Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2016; Hartford, CT, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Jared Harper (1) drives the ball against Connecticut Huskies center Amida Brimah (35) and guard Christian Vital (1) in the second half at XL Center. Auburn defeated UConn in overtime 70-67. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Hartford, CT, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Jared Harper (1) drives the ball against Connecticut Huskies center Amida Brimah (35) and guard Christian Vital (1) in the second half at XL Center. Auburn defeated UConn in overtime 70-67. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2. C Amida Brimah, UConn

Height/Weight: 6-11, 230 lbs

And so, the next prospect likely to remain on the board in the second round is University of Connecticut’s Amida Brimah.  Brimah is a pure college senior who touts a great deal raw ability. A late bloomer, he is just coming into his own as a basketball player. Has physical tools which can’t be taught, including great height, length and mobility.

He naturally excels on the defensive end and shows signs of becoming a true rim protector. he understands his length well and resist temptation of jumping for pump fakes. When he does jump, he elevates very quickly.

He has improved in offensive game. While he is still timid and seems to seek passing rather than shooting the ball, he can score. In fact, he often but hits a high percentage and chooses his shot selection wisely.

However, he is still very raw and unseasoned. His talent is based more on his dimensions and less on basketball wisdom. Standing 6-foot-11, his 230 pound frame needs at least 15 pounds more of muscle mass to endure at the NBA level. His frame shows the capacity to bulk up, but his body appears to be strolling in that direction. As a rim protector, one of his greatest offensive weapons should be the free throw shot. However, he needs to improve the accuracy from the foul line dramatically as well. His shot mechanics are good, so this should be attainable with good coaching.