The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Markelle Fultz last piece to elite team play

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Crystal Ball vs. rear view mirror

Wrong. The NBA season so far has been a one-sided argument. Compounding the issue is the 20-20 hindsight factor.  Right now, fans are attracted to cherry-pick the options from the 2017 NBA Draft.  Despite the vast number of options at three, the clarity of looking back from this point in time makes the choice obvious.

Related Story: Philadelphia 76ers true strength is young deep roster

Jayson Tatum was the pick.

But leading up to the draft, that was not the case. By all accounts, the Philadelphia 76ers looked at Kansas’ Josh Jackson heading into the draft. But the team also had an eye on De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk and Jonathan Isaac too. The closest Tatum came to Philadelphia in early mock drafts is at number four to the Phoenix Suns.  So no, Tatum was not an obvious pick for Philly at three.

The reality is that the 2017 NBA Draft was loaded with talent. Talent that had to be discerned in weeks where we now have months of NBA play to evaluate. And no folks, scouting NBA talent is not the “rigid science” so many profess it to be. It’s not a science at all.  So the “we should have chosen…” is itself an oxymoron.