Troy Brown could be another versatile wing for the Sixers
The Philadelphia 76ers are still in need of a capable wing who can lock down smaller guards. Could Troy Brown fill that void?
Troy Brown, an 18-year-old small forward for Oregon, has managed to keep a relatively low profile this season. The Ducks are off to a disappointing start at 12-6, in a season where they were expected to compete for the Pac-12 title.
The Ducks’ early struggles haven’t helped Troy Brown’s case as an NBA lottery pick, but Brown continues to impact the game in a variety of ways as a do-everything wing.
His ball-handling and his ability to create for his teammates are the first skills that pop out. His ability to create off the dribble is rare for a 6-foot-7 freshman wing.
Not many wings possess the kind of dribble moves Brown has in his repertoire, let alone at age 18. He seems to really understand how to use hesitation dribbles and change of pace to get to the rim. Unfortunately, Brown is the third ball-handler in command at Oregon. Sophomore Payton Pritchard and senior transfer Elijah Brown usually control the Ducks’ possessions, so we only get to see flashes of Brown’s potential as a ball handler.
Must Read: 2018 NBA Draft Big Board 4.0
The biggest weakness in Brown’s game is his lack of athleticism. He is not a top tier athlete, and he’d get a lot more attention if he was more vertically explosive. This might really hurt him at the next level if he can’t consistently beat slower defenders, but I have faith in his creativity as a ball handler. Athleticism is often overrated by consensus draft evaluators because many see athleticism as raw potential. But a player’s ability to “think the game” can prove to be more valuable in projecting their ceiling as a prospect.
Brown’s draft stock could benefit greatly from a boost in his shooting numbers, but he still compares similarly to other ball-handling wing prospects from the past.
| Season | 3PA | 3P% | FT% | AST | PTS | TS% | DRB% | |
| Troy Brown | 2017-18 | 3.5 | 31.7% | 80.9% | 3.0 | 11.2 | 55.1% | 22.4 |
| Paul George | 2009-10 | 5.8 | 35.3% | 90.9% | 3.0 | 16.8 | 57.2% | 18.8 |
| Khris Middleton | 2011-12 | 3.9 | 26.0% | 75.0% | 2.3 | 13.2 | 48.6% | 15.5 |
| Justise Winslow | 2014-15 | 2.8 | 41.8% | 64.1% | 2.1 | 12.6 | 57.2% | 19.8 |
Statistics via Basketball-Reference.com
Brown is one of the youngest players in this class, but already has a strong frame at 210 pounds to go along with a 6-foot-11 wingspan. His strength and physicality are on display whenever he crashes the glass.
How does Brown fit with the Sixers?
Before Ben Simmons even played an NBA game, a lot of fans were certain he should be the only initiator on offense, and he should be surrounded by off-ball players. While Simmons has proven to be a quality ball-handler and an incredible talent, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add another player who can create off the dribble to give Simmons a break.
Troy Brown’s fit in Philly is very much dependent on his shooting ability. He’s comfortable shooting off the dribble or off the catch. He currently shoots 31.7 percent on 3.5 attempts per game from 3-point range, and 80.9 percent from the free throw line. That’s a respectable starting point, but that’s no guarantee Brown will be a reliable shooter from NBA range. Keep an eye on his shooting sample the rest of this season.
More from Draft
- Philadelphia 76ers Ten Biggest Mistakes of the Last Ten Years
- The Sixers sign four undrafted players after the NBA Draft
- Players the Sixers should target in undrafted free agency
- How to Watch the 2023 NBA Draft as a Sixers Fan
- 2023 NBA Mock Draft: 5 wing prospects 76ers could target
Defensively, Brown has great instincts and physical tools to be an effective perimeter defender. The Sixers’ currently don’t have anyone to lock down smaller guards, and that seems to be their biggest weakness on that end (see Portland game on Dec. 28). Robert Covington and Ben Simmons are great perimeter defenders for their size, but neither can defend quicker guards like Kyrie Irving or C.J. McCollum. Brown could potentially be the guy to fill that void.
Brown has great anticipation skills and a long frame that allow him to cause problems on defense. While he doesn’t possess world-class leaping ability or straight-line speed, he does have the lateral quickness to stick with shifty guards. On top of that, his large frame should allow him to hold up when switching onto bigger players.
Adding another high-I.Q. passer and creator like Brown could make the Sixers’ offense even more pass-heavy, and ultimately more effective. If Brown can improve his shooting, his upside is extremely high as a two-way wing who can create offense off the dribble.
Brown is an extremely versatile player, which is important when looking at Philly’s big picture. If the Sixers’ are looking to add a star through a trade or free agency, Brown could still find a place in almost any lineup.
Next: Re-drafting the 2017 lottery
As conference play rolls on and Oregon continues to find their level, Brown is sure to garner more attention. The Sixers’ own first round pick will most likely fall somewhere between 10 and 18, and Brown should definitely be in the mix.