Which wing players should the Sixers target in the 2018 draft?

Gary Trent Jr., G, Duke

Trent Jr. was one of the players I was most interested in watching this year at Duke. It’s easy to talk about fellow start freshmen Marvin Bagley III, Wendell Carter Jr. and Trevon Duval, but Trent is also another freshman ready to make an impact for the Blue Devils and draw looks from NBA teams in the late lottery area.

He is an elite scorer that already has an excellent 3-point shot. His athleticism makes me think he could be good at attacking the rim as well, which is something he should look to do more of. Trent should be able to get plenty of open looks playing alongside Duval and Grayson Allen, and he’s been a knockdown shooter through the team’s first few games.

Trent has good size for a two-guard at 6-foot-6 and although we might not see him play much man-to-man defense in Coach K’s zone this year, he projects as a serviceable defender on the perimeter thanks to his length.

For the Sixers, Trent could project as the future at the two-guard spot should he end up on the team. He reminds me of Jerryd Bayless with the way he can shoot, but has better size and will be able to be a much better defender.

Trent’s draft stock could ultimately depend on how many looks he is able to get, but he scored 22 points in Duke’s win over Bowie State earlier this month. If he winds up playing a big role offensively down the stretch, he will definitely be a one-and-done candidate and a potential lottery pick.