Grading how each top NBA Draft prospect fits alongside Ben Simmons
Markelle Fultz
Whilst 2017s’ player pool does not hold a traditional “consensus” number one prospect, most experts have Washingtons’ Markelle Fultz at the top of their tree.
Shooting at 47.6 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three, he keeps defenses honest when playing off the ball, unlike JJ, who at this point is only a threat with a backdoor cut to the basket.
Stacking more chips in Fultz’ favour is his ability to play either guard spot, which would give Philadelphia a combo guard, a point forward and an inside-outside big – is that not the perfect start to an NBA franchise?
The main knock on Fultz is his shooting, which is at time streaky. Scouts have also pointed to his lack of a mid range game, but one would argue that as a strength given the ineffectiveness of the mid-range shot.
Besides, for a player whose ability to get to the basket and score has been compared to James Hardens’, it becomes even less of a concern.
In short, Markelle Fultz was born to be on Broad, and this is my dream scenario for Philly. This pick simply makes too much sense to pass up on it if it presents itself.
Grade: A+
Lonzo Ball
If Philly is looking for flexibility with their draft pick, they’re not going to get it with Lonzo Ball. The UCLA superstar is a point guard, end of story.
This trickle down effect then of course locks Ben Simmons into the small forward position.
None of this is bad. It would certainly give the Sixers an identity and shape the team a little quicker than drafting either Jackson or Fultz. But versatility is king in todays’ NBA.
Ball is an incredible prospect. Out of the three guys already listed, the Los Angeles native is certainly the best box office draw.
His passing ability, his three point range, and his perhaps unexpected maturity and level-headedness despite the media circus that follows him around is all encouraging.
A wise man once told me that how you deal with failure is less important than how you deal with success. Given how crazy this year’s been for the eldest Ball, he has carried himself extraordinarily well.
However, unlike Fultz, Ball is not as adept at playing off the rock. It’s not that he can’t do it. His shooting (55.1 percent, 41.2 percent) more than keeps defences honest. It’s just not his game.
If Ball is the one bringing the pill up, Simmons’ role in the offence becomes a lot more predictable. He will likely be used as a post up player or a cutter. Similarly, if it’s BS bringing it up, Ball will be restricted to a spot up shooter.
But this is all nitpicking. It would certainly make the offence a little more difficult to figure out, but certainly not impossible.