Philadelphia 76ers Sleeper Prospect Watch: Tyler Lydon

The Philadelphia 76ers own the rights to four second round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft. They will have the luxury to pick at 36, 39, 46, and 50 in an especially deep draft class.

Second round picks are not to be taken lightly. The most successful second round pick of recent 76er history can be considered current backup center and fan favorite, Richaun Holmes. The Philadelphia 76ers selected Holmes at pick number 37 out of Bowling Green back in the 2015 NBA Draft.

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All-stars and NBA champions such as Draymond Green of the Golden Statee Warriors and Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs are more recognizable second round success stories. Green was selected with the 35th pick in the 2012 draft, while Ginobili was selected as low the 57th pick in the 1999 draft.

Who is Tyler Lydon?

Tyler Lydon is a 6-10, 225 pound sophomore power forward out of Syracuse. Lydon averaged 13.2 points per game, 8.6 rebounds per game and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting just under 40 percent from three on the year.

Lydon can do a little bit of everything on the basketball court. His athletic ability isn’t underwhelming, and he can handle the ball proficiently for a big man. His jump shot is what intrigues many scouts and shows promise for his NBA career. Lydon has a high release point and a smooth stroke. His calling in the NBA may very well be his ability to stretch the floor and knock down set shot three-pointers from the power forward position.

In the current NBA, the “stretch four” position is growing increasingly important. Houston Rockets power forward Ryan Anderson or Washington Wizards power forward Markieff Morris exemplify this. This could be Lydon’s exact role in the NBA, and could be vital to a team in need of his kind of player.

Lydon’s Fit with the 76ers

Currently, the 76ers appear to be stacked with frontcourt players, including the possible selection of forward Josh Jackson out of Kansas with the third pick in this years draft. It seems likely that the 76ers will select a young point guard with one of their early second rounders, such as Monte Morris from Iowa State.

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However, the 76ers are thin at the “stretch four” position. Potential rookie of the year Dario Saric is a great young power forward that is working on his three-point shot consistency. Saric shot just 31 percent from three last year, but has shown flashes of being a serviceable outside shooter.

Tyler Lydon, if drafted by the 76ers, can be an instant contributor for the team in his rookie year. He will fit perfectly alongside fellow young big man Joel Embiid. Lydon can stretch the floor and knock down the outside shot for his team, but can also provide rebounding and length defensively.

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It is very possible that Lydon’s skill set can carry him to a first round selection. If he does fall to one of the Philadelphia 76ers early second round selections, the 76ers must pull the trigger on the versatile big man. This is a long-term investment that will eventually pay off for the young team if they draft Lydon. Lydon may just be a role player at first, but has solid potential and an NBA ready skill set that can take his game to the next level.