NBA Draft Philadelphia 76ers Pick Simply Ball, Jackson, or Fultz?

In the 2017 NBA Draft, excluding trades, do the Philadelphia 76ers simply pick the player remaining from Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, or Markelle Fultz?

Analysis of what the Philadelphia 76ers will do with the third pick of the 2017 NBA Draft has been the talk of the town since the famous NBA Lottery night. The reason? Picking third is typically the first juncture where choices are less obvious.  Thanks to that 2017 NBA Lottery.  The Philadelphia 76ers stock swap kicked in with the Sacramento Kings.  That all boils down to the Sixers now pick at three. Oh yeah, Nik Stauskas had quite the chortle over it.

But the 76ers really want Markelle Fultz (may not get chance at him) and may very much be looking at Lonzo Ball (may not want chance at him).  In the end, there are three players who seem to be rising to the top.

But at three, do the Philadelphia 76ers simply pick the remaining player?

More from Draft

• Philadelphia 76ers Ten Biggest Mistakes of the Last Ten Years
• The Sixers sign four undrafted players after the NBA Draft
• Players the Sixers should target in undrafted free agency
• How to Watch the 2023 NBA Draft as a Sixers Fan
• 2023 NBA Mock Draft: 5 wing prospects 76ers could target

I am not saying not to do so.  But I simply do not feel much excitement at the prospect either.

Anti-Climatic

After all the fans of the Philadelphia 76ers have been through: from regular season heartache to draft day magic, a predictable one-two-three draft event seems… anti-climatic.  In the past, there was little analysis to the NBA Draft.  In fact, not so long ago, I found myself scrambling frantically to learn something about the players selected, even in the top ten.

Now, we do a masterful job of analyzing the top prospects in the draft. We carve up the fit, the upside and the downside.  In fact, we have a complete narrative before they ever arrive.  And it takes some of the “wow” away.

Don’t Autobot this Draft?!?

In short, will the remaining player from that three player group be the default selection?  When the Philadelphia 76ers choose, how certain is the 76ers move? Is it an autobot like selection of “choose one of these three”? Is there an auto-default already programming the team’s strategy at three that a child could accomplish?

https://youtu.be/na1UNluuPEs

I am not certain if I am too anchored in the wild west days of Sam Hinkie lighting up the first and second rounds of each NBA Draft he engaged in, but something feels off-kilter this year. Perhaps it’s that growing volume of the Philadelphia 76ers trading the third pick in the draft for the Sacramento Kings fifth and tenth picks.   I do get excited when I think of that possibility.

Dealings Underfoot?

But if this draft is about one of three, then as a fan, shouldn’t we “feel” the choice is the right one? Am I wrong to admit that at this point, I only feel that Markelle Fultz fits. Unfortunately, the Celtics will certainly select him first overall. Or will they?

After all is said and done, I have this gut feeling that the Philadelphia 76ers see the rookie roles filled in 2017, and are seriously considering trading out of the three pick for an established star. Try as I might, I can’t shake that feeling.  The Philadelphia 76ers could be working a deal at three that will make or break the Colangelo reign.

Next: The Sixers Should Target J.J. Redick In Free Agency

If Fultz is not available at three, I would not be surprised if something unexpected happens. After all, he is working out for the Los Angeles Lakers now.

And in the aftermath, whether I applaud or hiss depends on what the team does.  But if the team merely sets the dial to default to the remaining third person from Fultz, Ball, or Jackson, I will simply shrug my shoulders.  It may be the right thing to do in this draft.  But the Philadelphia 76ers have selected third in the last four NBA Drafts.

After all, variety is the spice of life.