Philadelphia 76ers: Re-drafting the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery

Re-drafting the 2017 NBA Draft lottery

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Potential top draftees Lonzo Ball (L), Markelle Fultz (C) and De'Aaron Fox (R) look on before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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93. SF. 1. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Duke. Jayson Tatum

The irony here is painful, but the Sixers would be hard-pressed not to pick Tatum. His combination of individual scoring prowess and efficiency is rare for any player, much less a 19-year-old making the leap to NBA basketball. Of all the picks in a loaded draft class, he seems like the best asset moving forward.

It’d be interesting to see how Tatum fared in a higher-usage role as well. Part of his success comes from playing off of Kyrie Irving and Al Horford in Brad Stevens’ system, but the Sixers have a clear niche Tatum could fill.

Even with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid pacing the offense, Tatum’s skill set would add a new dynamic to Brett Brown’s rotation. He’d also give Philly more depth on the wing, which they severely lack at this point.

It’s too early to write off Fultz, but you can’t pass on a talent of Tatum’s magnitude unless the former has a clear path back to full strength.