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Celtics considering Jackson at No. 1, can Philadelphia 76ers get Fultz?

By Rusty Gorelick

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics may draft Josh Jackson with the first pick in the upcoming draft. Does this mean the Philadelphia 76ers can land Markelle Fultz?

According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, Boston is considering taking Kansas wing Josh Jackson with the top pick in the draft, which will happen in about a week. The source is an NBA GM who says he has “picked Danny’s brain for years,” referencing Celtics GM Danny Ainge. The source went on to note that Jackson is the type of player that Ainge loves: athletic, energetic, big, and tough.

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Naturally, this could all be a smokescreen, but in case it’s true, let’s theorize on how the Philadelphia 76ers can take the consensus top prospect, Markelle Fultz. Before fans jump at the rumor that Los Angeles is locked in on Lonzo Ball for the second overall pick, remember the 2015 draft when everyone thought they would take Jahlil Okafor with the second pick, when they really chose D’Angelo Russell. This means the Philadelphia 76ers cannot take any chances and should probably get a deal in place to move up to the second pick if the Celtics really do take Jackson.

A possible trade idea that would help just about every team involved is this:

  • Philadelphia 76ers receive: No. 2 overall pick (From LA)
  • Sacramento Kings receive: No. 3 overall pick (From PHI)
  • LA Lakers receive: Jahlil Okafor (From PHI), No. 5 overall pick, No. 10 overall pick (From SAC)

For the Sixers, this deal lets Bryan Colangelo take arguably the best player in the draft while getting rid of the disgruntled Okafor. Since Fultz can operate with or without being the primary ball-handler, he will fit in quite well next to point forward Ben Simmons. Additionally, Fultz’s 41.3 percent shooting from 3-point range is valuable for Philly, who lacks any consistent threats from deep on their current roster.

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For the Kings, they’re essentially trading their two lottery picks for the third pick, which will allow them to draft De’Aaron Fox. Trading two lottery picks to move up two spots doesn’t seem like a great idea, but remember that it’s the Kings and Vlade Divac and that they don’t have the best track record for making smart trades.

The Lakers get a young center who still has potential in Okafor. Not that the bar is high, but the ex-Duke big man is a better option for LA than Timofei Mozgov and his monstrosity of a contract. Additionally, since the Phoenix Suns, who pick fourth, already have solid young guards in Devin Booker, Eric Bledsoe, and Tyler Ulis, picking fifth will still give the Lakers an outside chance of taking Lonzo Ball. The 10th pick could land them Zach Collins, OG Anunoby, or Frank Ntilikina, all of whom excel on defense and would help make up for Okafor’s deficiencies on that end of the floor.

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For the Sixers, they add another potential superstar to the roster. Fultz has a much more complete game than Lonzo Ball: Fultz has a better handle, a smoother jump shot, the ability to pull up from mid-range, and the athleticism to create space off the dribble. His versatility is extremely valuable for Brett Brown, who is building a true positionless team. Between Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Dario Saric, the Philadelphia 76ers have three future superstars on their roster. Adding Fultz in to spread the floor and be the secondary playmaker will make the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference quite interesting.