The Sixer Sense
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Lakers 2018 First Round Pick Needs Protection From Philadelphia 76ers

By Bret Stuter

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ben Simmons (LSU) reacts as he walks off stage after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Ben Simmons (LSU) reacts as he walks off stage after being selected as the number one overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the 2017 NBA Draft approaches, an urgency of getting the top pick in this draft now reaches a crescendo. Trade scenarios frequently include the first round pick in 2018 from the Los Angeles Lakers.  Here’s why Philadelphia 76ers must keep that pick

The Philadelphia 76ers enter the 2017 NBA Draft with one first and four second round picks. While that should set up the team well for the upcoming season, there are those who want more now.

The team landed the first pick of the 2016 NBA Draft and selected point player Ben Simmons.  But the team’s fan base was cheated out of the experience of seeing Simmons play in his rookie season.   As a result, the team and fans never shared the thrill of the top player on the basketball court for an NBA season game.

So perhaps that explains the urgency of landing the top pick in the 2017 NBA Draft appeals to the Sixers fanbase. Perhaps it is the undeniable fit of Markelle Fultz to the needs of the Philadelphia 76ers. Ultimately, it may be the simple fact that the Boston Celtics hold the rights to a top draft pick whose ultimate worth may not be realized for years to come, and the team needs impact players now. Whatever the cause, the results are the same:

Sixers fans hold onto the hope of landing Markelle Fultz in the 2017 NBA Draft.

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Trade For That First Pick

But pondering what it would take to land the first pick is a far cry from endorsing a king’s ransom. Far too many fans delighted in the hope to part ways with the 2018 first round pick in a package of picks and players.  Now, trade the 2018 Los Angeles first round pick when it sheds the protection.

It’s easy to do now. Markelle Fultz is a shiny new rookie prospect, and 2018 is a year away.   So some want to toss the third pick, the 2018 Lakers first, and the 2019 Sacramento first in the hopes more future picks will pry Fultz away from the Celtics.

Don’t do it.

2018 Draft Class Loaded

As high as the ceiling of point guard Markelle Fultz seems to be right now, that of 2018 NBA class Michael Porter Jr. is just as high. And he his only one player.  As I had stated in an article Philadelphia 76ers Okay With Lakers 2018 Unprotected First round pick

"“The University of Kentucky boasts shooting guard Hamidou Diallo, center Nick Richards, power forward P.J. Washington, power forward Jarred Vanderbilt and point guard Quade Green.  UCLA counters with small forward Kris Wilkes and point guard Jaylen Hands. Right now, that 2018 NBA Draft class looks every bit as deep as the 2017 NBA Draft class.”"

And I may have errantly omitted the star of the 2018 Draft class, Luka Doncic.

And while the Lakers pick has no assurance where it will land, the fact is that unless the Lakers end up in the playoffs, they have a chance at a top three. Trade the pick this year, and that probability passes over to the Celtics.

Next: Why The 76ers Should Target Luke Nelson

In summary, Markelle Fultz is a superb prospect and he fits the Sixers’ needs.  But the reality is no prospect is a lock for stardom. This team is already capable of NBA playoffs.  So the urgency to deal tomorrow for today is not as immediate as perceived.

Keep the pick, bank on the Lakers landing in the bottom 20 percent of the NBA, and accept their draft pick graciously.  2018 will be a very solid draft class. Patience.