The Sixer Sense
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Sixers Trade Option: Stanley Johnson

By Brian Doogan

Jan 30, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (7) drives on Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (7) drives on Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Philadelphia 76ers draft a point guard, is Stanley Johnson a good trade option?

Throughout the Sam Hinkie era, watching college and high school highlights became a necessity for Philadelphia 76ers fans. My favorite prospect during this time was a small forward from Arizona named Stanley Johnson. He was a top prospect in his draft class and was a surefire top ten pick.

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    • The Pistons selected Johnson with the eighth pick in the draft and he adjusted to the league nicely during his rookie year. He averaged 8.1 points per game while also pulling down 4.2 rebounds. Johnson didn’t emerge as a starter and played mostly off the bench as a role player.

    Johnson struggled during his second season in the NBA and played almost 5 minutes less per game. Marcus Morris has the starting job locked up and Tobias Harris is averaging 31.3 minutes off the bench. A trade might be what is best for Johnson’s development.

    Stanley Johnson was selected eighth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. The Sixers should essentially undo the Jahlil Okafor pick and trade Okafor straight up for Stanley Johnson. A change of scenery might be what is best for the players and teams involved.

    Jahlil Okafor has struggled to show any sign of improvement on the defensive side of the court. But his offensive skillset still makes him a solid option off the bench. Behind Andre Drummond he could return to his rookie form where he averaged 17.5 points.

    Covington will have the majority of the minutes at small forward. And Simmons will split time playing the one and three but the Sixers should not neglect their bench this off season. Johnson would be a great bench option behind Covington if he can get back to his college form from three.

    During his lone year at Arizona, Johnson shot .371 and averaged 13.8 points. Johnson led Arizona to a 34-4 record and a solid tournament run. The Wildcats eventually lost in the Elite Eight to Frank Kaminsky and the Wisconsin Badgers, Johnson was a non-factor in the defeat.

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    It’s hard to believe that, of all the Wildcats from that run, T.J. McConnell has made the biggest impact. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson started 50 games for the last place Nets last year but averaged only 8.7 last season.

    Reuniting Johnson with McConnell could provide a solid duo off the bench. McConnell played an important and similar role at Arizona than he does with the Sixers. McConnell could be exactly what Johnson needs to reach his full potential. Johnson was drafted eighth overall by the Pistons and won’t get the minutes in Detroit he could in Philly.

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    For the Sixers, Johnson is the perfect buy low trade option this offseason. If the pick is a point guard the Sixers will need to add someone to the bench. A Johnson for Okafor swap could be beneficial for both teams. Johnson could be a great option if the Sixers decide to look on the trade market instead in free agency.