Notes from the NBA Draft Combine for Sixers fans
Several prospects have helped their stock at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine. Who should Philadelphia 76ers fans take note of?
The Philadelphia 76ers own the 10th, 26th, 38th, 39th, 56th and 60th picks in the 2018 NBA Draft. That means they’ll be scouting just about everybody, ranging from lottery talent to second round hopefuls.
That’s where the NBA Draft Combine comes into play, giving prospects an opportunity to show out in front of NBA coaches and talent evaluators. All 30 teams have representation of some sort, and the Sixers will almost certainly have draft decisions that are at least partially impacted by what happens in Chicago.
We’re already two days in and a number of different prospects have helped (or hurt) their stock. Here are some names that could be on the Sixers’ radar as June approaches.
Grayson Allen, SG, Duke
The four-year standout has done nothing but help himself thus far. He tested extremely well athletically, posting a 10.31 lane agility speed — a top-five mark in Combine history. He also posted one of the six highest verticals at 40.5 inches.
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Allen’s athleticism wasn’t a focal point of his game at Duke, but it’s something that has been around since his high school days. People forget that he was a five-star recruit who happened to win the McDonald’s All-American Dunk Contest.
The Sixers might look his way at 26.
Josh Okogie, SG, Georgia Tech
Speaking of players the Sixers might consider at 26, Okogie fits that bill if he decides to remain in the draft. He too tested extremely well in the athletic department, tying Villanova’s Donte DiVincenzo for the highest vertical at 42 inches.
A tough, two-way wing with some promising offensive traits, Okogie will likely be rising up draft boards heading into June.
Donte DiVincenzo, PG/SG, Villanova
The Big Ragu broke out in the NCAA Tournament, capping things off with a 31-point outing in Nova’s championship win. Now he’s a borderline lock for the first round, presenting a combination of athleticism, playmaking skills and defensive toughness that teams will covet.
He tested well athletically and was one of the best players on the court during scrimmages for two straight days.
Kevin Huerter, SG, Maryland
Huerter has helped himself quite a bit in the Combine. His three-point shooting is a valuable weapon in any system and he seems to be adding more to his game, signaling further upside that might intrigue NBA teams.
Melvin Frazier, SG/SF, Tulane
Frazier is a freakish athlete with freakish measurements on the wing, both of which will help his stock. He’s a hard-nosed, versatile defender who should have a long NBA career if he can consistently knock down shots on the perimeter. His scrimmage performances have been promising.
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Kevin Hervey, SF, Texas-Arlington
Measuring out around 6-8 with a 7-3.5 wingspan, Hervey’s physical tools and shot-making ability are valuable assets on the perimeter. He has a history of knee injuries, but he’s one of those under-the-radar names capable of making some noise in June.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
Gilgeous-Alexander measured out with an 8-8 standing reach, the longest point guard measurement in The Athletic’s database outside of Shaun Livingston.
Zhaire Smith, SG, Texas Tech
Albeit long, Smith’s height was measured at just under 6-3. For somebody marketed as an ultra-versatile wing defender, his shorter stature could give some executives pause. He’s still the kind of high-upside athlete the Sixers will at least consider with the 10th pick, though.
Anfernee Simons, SG, IMG Academy
Perhaps one of the most intriguing names in this draft class, Simons went bonkers in the athletic department (as expected). The talented shot-creator is a shade over 6-2 with a 6-9 wingspan while also boasting a 41.5-inch vertical.
Next: Sixers draft profile - Jontay Porter
Stay posted for plenty of draft content here at The Sixer Sense from now until June 21.