The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers NBA Draft 2nd Round Center Prospects

By James Niescier

Apr 11, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) celebrates dunking the ball against the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) celebrates dunking the ball against the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and center Jahlil Okafor (8) congratulate each other after a score against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and center Jahlil Okafor (8) congratulate each other after a score against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Center Roles

NBA teams need their back up centers to do two things.  The center must be the defensive anchor for the second unit.  Furthermore, that center mustnd spread the floor offensively to open the paint for their teammates.

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    • On one hand, both Bryant and Kaba have shown that they can spread the floor offensively.  Meanwhile, the remaining centers must work on that aspect of their game.  Some have shown some improvement, but it is still very much a work in progress.  But Bradley is nimble in the post and can become a scoring option for the second unit.

    On the other hand,  Jeanne, Bryant, and Kaba have NBA quality athleticism on the defensive side of the court. Add to that the fact that Pasecniks size along with his mature frame is the ideal body type for an NBA center.

    Some Pluses, Some Minuses

    These four centers have the tools to anchor any NBA level defense.

    Conversely, Bradley and Yurtseven’s lack of mobility and explosiveness are not at or above NBA levels.  In their average size and wingspan, serious questions surface along the lines of NBA readiness. In short, do they belong in the NBA?

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    My primary concern with Bradley is that his scouting report mirrors Okafor’s.  We already know the painful reality that Okafor does not fit in Brett Browns fast paced offense. Several of these prospects will be available for the Sixers in the second round. Whoever they choose will have time to develop but could eventually be a key reserve on a Sixers playoff team.