Why did Philadelphia 76ers trade up for Anzejs Pasecniks?
By Bret Stuter
Reason III: He is a close second to the game of Joel Embiid
This is a tad similar to reason one, but slightly different. Reason one cites size and game rhythm. This reason focuses more on defense and offense scheme.
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The Philadelphia 76ers feel that there is more to Latvia than Kristaps Porzingis. And since the New York Knicks want to keep Porzingis, it falls to logic that the 76ers would select a player from a similar background.
Promising on both ends
Per a scouting report from Sports Illustrated’s Tanner Walters, Pasecniks is solid on offense and defense. In fact, he has the potential for meaningful contributions on both side of the court. Just take a look at what the article said about him:
"“…outstanding mobility and solid offensive skills in his workouts for teams…has the foot speed to defend adequately and can get off the ground to block shots…”"
Big men do not often offer potential on both offense and defense. Pasecniks does. And while you may be in the mood to focus on the 2017-20187 season, this young man brightens the team’s outlook down the road. He does that because he is in a perfect situation for a draft-and-stash.
But that opens other possibilities.