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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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 /

4. C Michael Fusek, Spirou Charleroi (Belgium)

Height/Weight: 7-5, 220 lbs

The last center we’ll discuss is Michael Fusek. He is a very tall 7-foot-5 center but has surprising agility. His best moves are cutting to the basket and finishing plays at the rim due to his overall size. On top of the height, he also has good leaping ability, over 30 inches, placing his vertical among the highest in the NBA.

Fusek shows fluid movement, and is highly coordinated even when starting and stopping. His dimensions give him an advantage defensively in the NBA. He shows good instincts timing his jumps and hand placement when shot blocking. As an added bonus, he knows how to keep the ball in play on his blocks, too, creating turnovers rather than lower shooting accuracy.

Fusek is still underdeveloped physically, and his upper body is not strong enough to endure the pounding even at his current level of competition. Gaining weight is not easy, and appears to be a slow process. Fusek is a natural rim protector who has the upside to evolve into great defender. To do so, he will need to put on muscle mass to enable playing against heavier, physical players.

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He has a positive outlook, and uses his natural size advantage when hauling in rebounds. As many second round prospects, he must continue to improve his overall skill set, strength, aggressiveness and confidence. He is a very raw player with the potential to achieve a very high level thanks to his size, mobility and attitude.