Sixers Draft: Use the Second Round for Backup Bigs

The Philadelphia 76ers are in need of some depth in their frontcourt — and the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft could be the best route to a solution.

The 2017 NBA Draft class is especially interesting. Not only is the loaded brimming with potential stars, but the back end of the draft is abnormally talented. There are several projected second rounders with first round upside, as players making use of the NCAA’s new rules — which allow players to work out with NBA teams prior to losing their collegiate eligibility — have gradually worked their way into the discussion.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers could be massive beneficiaries of that deep talent pool — especially in the frontcourt.

This year’s class is almost devoid of elite big men, with Lauri Markkanen and Zach Collins quickly establishing themselves as the only true big men garnering extensive lottery consideration. That doesn’t mean this class lacks bigs, though. They’re instead concentrated towards the middle, with the 15-45 range boasting a plethora of talented bigs — all of which are seemingly held back by one critical flaw.

The Sixers, who need to improve their frontcourt depth behind Joel Embiid, Dario Saric and Richaun Holmes, could then look towards the second round (where they hold four picks) as a method of resolving that issue on the depth chart.

For reference, here are the bigs found between 15 and 45 on my personal big board:

While there are obviously different skill sets scattered throughout that group, all have the potential to help the Sixers in some facet. Additional defensive depth in a plus, while that group boasts a number of high octane rebounders. There’s also a handful of stretch four options, something Bryan Colangelo has stressed as a need in the past.

With the Sixers’ highest second round pick falling at that 36 spot, their selection will be far more limited than that list entails. But a solid chunk of those prospects are bound to fall to them on draft night, whether it be warranted or not. That gives them plenty of options in fixing their concerns up front, all while doing so in the most affordable manner possible.

The Sixers’ needs up front back that notion as well.

Brett Brown’s current rotation is dominated by Embiid and Holmes up front, with Jahlil Okafor likely to provide the stopgap third option for the time being. The latter, however, is bound to be traded at some point, if not released, as his lack of fit and two-way deficiencies have capped his production far too often.

More Draft: 5 Players to Target at 36

The 36th pick — or later — would likely be used as an avenue to repurpose that niche, ideally doing so with a more constructive presence in the rotation. They could also add depth at the four spot, as Dario Saric is the only full-time four currently on the roster, aside from Alex Poythress. Simmons and Robert Covington can — and likely will — spend time there, but their natural roles could be best suited elsewhere in Brown’s setup as it currently stands.

A player like Jordan Bell would bring versatility to the frontcourt, adding a hyperathletic defender with potential in transition. Players like Bam Adebayo and Thomas Bryant would provide physical anomalies in differing fashion, wielding unique two-way upside on the defensive end. Alec Peters is a prototypical stretch four, shooting the ball at a 36.3 percent clip from deep while leading a lackluster Valpo team with 23 points per contest.

There’s no lack of variety.

The Sixers have the potential add a legitimate rotational cog for a minimal contract without any future guarantees, allowing them to retain flexibility that will be extremely important in re-signing Joel Embiid next offseason — as well as Ben Simmons and Dario Saric in the coming years. Bryan Colangelo is likely to make moves in free agency as well. Second rounders would allow him to avoid committing to a roster spot, depending on what occurs later in the summer.

Next: Sixers Should Pursue Vets On Short Term Deals

In a class that favors this type of planning, going for their backup big(s) in the second round simply makes sense.