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Philadelphia 76ers: Johnson’s Weekly Mailbag 3

By Lucas Johnson

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome back to this third edition of Johnson’s Weekly Mailbag. Questions this week focus on the Philadelphia 76ers draft and free agency strategies.

First let me say thank you to everyone that has been a part of Johnson’s Weekly Mailbag so far. As this continues to grow I just wanted to acknowledge all the fans that were with me from the beginning. This weeks mailbag is full of great questions and topics.

“Which position in the 2017 NBA Draft can the 76ers avoid addressing without harm to the team? If word leaks that Markelle Fultz’s knees are worse than expected, who is your emergency pick at number one?”-76ers Scribe NBA

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I think if we get the Lakers pick this year we will end up harming ourselves. I want it unprotected next year. Saying that I think picks 1, 2 and 5 will be safe spots for the Philadelphia 76ers. The first pick is a no-brainer, Markelle Fultz. Number two will either be Fultz, if he is still there, or Jayson Tatum. Tatum could be versatile enough to play the three, four or occasionally the 2, which would be great for the Sixers. My only concern with him is his defense, but he seems like the type of player that will improve with time. If Josh Jackson is still at pick number 5 you have to take him. Honestly, he and Tatum are tied on my personal big board, but I give Tatum the nod because he is a more compatible scorer. If he is not then I would go with Malik Monk.

Now, for your second question, I would say that you would have to compare Jackson and Tatum. I think Jackson may end up being a better long term fit, however, if the Sixers want to see immediate improvement then I would go with Tatum. Tatum is a scoring machine will help a poor offensive team like the Sixers where as Jackson will need years to improve his scoring skills. So personally I would go with Tatum.

“Follow up – how should Sixers think about rolling dice with another injury risk high in draft given recent history?”-~~TO

I actually answered a very similar question in last week’s mailbag. To summarize it, I believe a player with injury history like Fultz should only be taken if they fall in the draft and you do not give up any important assets. I also would make sure the injured player being selected is much better than the other players still on the draft board. Fultz will be worth a fourth or fifth pick for sure. He may be worth the first pick as well. I am wary of him going number one to the Philadelphia 76ers, but he may be worth it. Honestly I am at a coin flip when it comes to him. My head says yes, but my heart says no. I think he may be the only player I would say he is worth the risk if he goes to the Sixers at number one. However, if he goes lower to Philadelphia in the draft then I am more than fine with the risk he presents.

MORE DRAFT: 2017 NBA Mock Draft 1.0, Vol. 2

“Always have one killer, what does Free Agency look like for the 76ers? And should Sam Hinke get more praise for what the roster looks like?”-Leonard Saldana

Love your questions, Leonard, you always have great questions. What general manager Bryan Colangelo needs to do is to look at shooter at each position besides center this off season. The Philadelphia 76ers have lacked a scoring touch since the days of Jrue Holiday. Holiday, among other shooters should be high on Colangelo’s free agent boards. A third string center is important for the Sixers as well. It is unlikely that Joel Embiid will play a full 82 games and having a third string center to play quality minutes will be key.

To answer your second question, Hinke should not get praised like a demi-god, but he still deserves more credit than he gets. He acquired most of the players and the current head coach that the franchise is currently working with. I believe as the pain of the process fades more and more people will be able to recognize the good work he did. I personally give Hinke a B- for everything he accomplished with the Sixers.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers: Oladipo for Okafor In Three Team Trade

I had a great time answers questions. For fans that have questions they would like to have questioned answered, follow me on Twitter @LJ_Bballer20 and look every Monday for the #Johnsonsmailbag.