The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

By Christopher Kline

Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

We’re in the midst of March Madness — here’s how the NBA Draft picture is shaping up. Right now, the Philadelphia 76ers land a top 5 pick.

With March Madness kicking up the the race for the bottom following suit in the league’s cellar, it’s time to once again look towards what could be the most talented NBA Draft class since LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and others entered the league back in 2003.

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    • We’re through conference play now, with some substantial shifts in the collegiate landscape heading into the final stretch of the basketball season. Jayson Tatum and De’Aaron Fox have both undergone massive ascensions in the past couple of weeks, while the likes of Markelle Fultz and — in particular — Dennis Smith could experience the ill effects of not playing in the tournament.

    March is among the most hectic times of the year — and often provides the type of nationally-prominent insight that can swing  the pendulum for not only the fans at home, but front offices as well as they analyze the full embodiment of prospects’ resumes come June.

    The Philadelphia 76ers, as has been the case for the past few seasons now, are trending towards a top pick in the NBA draft, with the top 3 well within reach given their recent struggles. The Sixers will have a chance this offseason to truly establish the direction of their franchise moving forward, something that hasn’t been concrete ever since the process-driven Hinkie era began.

    Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons — barring any setbacks — should be at full strength, while Dario Saric and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot seem to be playing their best basketball to date. Their core will finally be at full strength, and the draft will give them the ability to add another highly-touted piece to that group.

    So, with the fourth spot being where they’re currently slotted in this mock, there remains a myriad of directions in which they could go, with the ever-present argument of best player available versus rotational fit playing a hefty role in any decision the front office makes.

    And on that note, I’ll allow you to proceed. Here’s an in-depth look at the entirety of the first round of the NBA Draft and some scenarios that, as of right now, seem wholly possible.

    Standings as of March 11th, with stats from DraftExpress or Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise stated.