The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Boston Celtics selecting Markelle Fultz opens door for Philadelphia 76ers

By Bret Stuter

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 16, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) puts up a shot against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Arizona State defeated Washington, 83-81. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) puts up a shot against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Arizona State defeated Washington, 83-81. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

New Face New Pace Wrong Place

So what’s the problem?  Where to begin?  Let’s start with the virtues of the 2017 NBA Draft. This draft is filled with back court and wing athletes. In fact, it’s one of the deeper classes, with as many as nine to ten player who could launch into significant NBA careers.

More from Draft

And right now, the Philadelphia 76ers have prepared for this type of draft.  While other teams picked back court players, the Philadelphia 76ers loaded up at the front court.  And for good reason.  Many of the NCAA players launch their one-and-done NBA careers from the back court. And that simply increases the volume of guard availability.

No Front Court Help Here

But centers and power forwards are not always as readily available.  This year, the first meaningful big man is projected to come off the board at ten by Tankathon.com in the form of Gonazaga center Zach Collins. That may be an optimistic slot.

Conversely, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers select before the Philadelphia 76ers, and both need front court help.  And both are financially shackled to senior veteran centers under multi-year contracts. The Lakers have Timofey Mozgov until 2020, while the Celtics have Al Horford for the same duration.  Mozgov for the Lakers simply never worked out.  Horford showed some heroics for the Celtics in the playoffs, but he is entering his eleventh season, and eventually the years will take their toll.