The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Should Invite Undrafted Melo Trimble To Summer League

By Brian Doogan

Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) passes the ball against the Xavier Musketeers during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) passes the ball against the Xavier Musketeers during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76ers are positioned to draft Kansas forward Josh Jackson or Duke Jayson Tatum for the future. But the nagging question at the guard position would be perfect spot Maryland Melo Trimble.

Year after year we read about draft prospects going back to school and improving their draft stock. Melo Trimble is not one of them. The Philadelphia 76ers, and the Sixer Sense, have monitored Trimble for some time.  In fact, he has been good enough on the basketball court to warrant NBA Draft talk, but his measurable at the NBA Combine last year discouraged him from pursuing the pros.

Back in 2014, some considered Trimble to be a late first round pick or early second round pick. Instead of entering the draft, he decided to go back to school for another year. Trimble went on to lead Maryland to their first sweet sixteen since 2002-3.

2016 NBA Draft Melo Mulligan

After Maryland lost to Kansas in the tournament many thought Trimble might make the leap to the NBA. He declared for draft but didn’t hire an agent before he ultimately chose to return for his junior season. His numbers remained pretty much the same. But this year Maryland and Trimble didn’t make it out of the first round of the NCAA tournament.

The sixth seed Maryland Terrapins were upset by eleventh seed Xavier in an embarrassing showing from Trimble. The Maryland point guard was .111 when shooting three pointers and was .250 from the field during that loss. Trimble decided to declare for the draft this year pretty much because he had absolutely nothing to gain from returning for his senior year.

Melo Matures

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NBA teams have seen what they needed to see from Trimble. At 22 years old, Trimble is not the attractive prospect he once was. And he is by no means the guaranteed answer to the Sixers problems.  Still, he is definitely worth a look by the team.

Inviting Melo Trimble to join our Summer League team gives the Philadelphia 76ers the jump on assessing his NBA tranlation. Trimble will give the Sixers point guard situation one look and give them serious consideration. Unless the Sixers add a sure fire starter at point guard, the Sixers will be the preferred destination for many prospects.

Maybe Melo?

Give Trimble the chance in Summer League to show enough to win a spot on the bench. The Sixers will have to make decisions on both Henderson and Rodriguez.  Trimble averaged 15.9 points 3.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds during his three years at Maryland.

Trimble could be a great floor facilitator off the bench for the Sixers while Simmons handles the starters. During his final year, Trimble was the only starter from the year before. The point guard still led the Terrapins 16.8 points and 3.7 assists per game during his final season of college basketball. And never underestimate the coaching acumen of Philadelphia 76ers head coach, Brett Brown.

Next: Report: Sixers Like Dennis Smith Jr., De’Aaron Fox for Third Pick

If Trimble wants to stick in the NBA he will need to regain his freshmen year stroke from three. His three point shooting percentage dropped from .412 during his freshman season to .317 his junior year. His age and size will scare teams away and he will likely go undrafted.

If the Sixers do give Trimble a chance, they need to know his ceiling is likely nothing more than a bench player. His height is perfect but he is still maturing an NBA starter physique. Even if the Sixers decide not to take a chance on Trimble this offseason, this is a prospect I could see sticking on a team. If some team does draft him it might be a mistake but the D-League is always an option too if he can’t make a roster.