With the 2018 NBA Draft less than a month away, where do the Philadelphia 76ers stand in projections across the internet?
The Philadelphia 76ers will enter the 2018 NBA Draft with six picks, including two in the first round. One of those selections will come in the lottery, giving them the rare opportunity to add a high-end rookie to a 52-win team.
This year’s lottery is full of talent, especially up top. That should give the Sixers a handful of intriguing options at 10, whether it be help on the wing or another playmaker on the perimeter. Even additional frontcourt depth is on the table.
Here’s a quick rundown of who different sites have the Sixers selecting on June 21.
The Sixer Sense
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky (10th); Dzanan Musa, KK Cedevita (26th); Rodions Kurucs, Barcelona 2 (38th); Gary Trent Jr., Duke (39th); Chimezie Metu, USC (56th); Keenan Evans, Texas Tech (60th)
Most mock drafts have the Sixers seeking perimeter help in the form of a two-way wing. That kind of selection makes sense, but it might not fix the biggest issue from their short postseason run: off-the-dribble creation, or a lack thereof.
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The Sixers had plenty of shooting with J.J. Redick and Marco Belinelli, while Robert Covington made First Team All-Defense for a reason. What they need is players who can put the ball on the floor and create when the offense slows down. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fits the mold.
Dzanan Musa is a microwave scorer who should have no issue coming off the bench and getting buckets. Kurucs is another draft-and-stash candidate with first-round upside. Trent was one of college basketball’s most prolific three-point shooters as a freshman. Metu is an athletic rim-runner with defensive upside. Evans put together an impressive senior season as Texas Tech’s offensive leader.
ESPN
- Mikal Bridges, Villanova (10th); Bruce Brown Jr., Miami (26th); Jerome Robinson, Boston College (38th); Chimezie Metu, USC (39th); Kostas Antetokounmpo, Dayton (56th); Amine Noua, Villeurbanne (60th)
Mikal Bridges is the favorite to go to Philly at 10. He’s an elite perimeter defender who spaces the floor and thrives off the ball, an ideal compliment to Simmons and Embiid. He can’t create his own shot consistently, but that’s something he can improve under NBA guidance.
Brown is another intriguing defensive prospect on the wing. He’s a long, strong athlete who should be able to defend at least both guard spots. His offensive game is a work in progress, but he’s a passable spot-up shooter who can make explosive plays on drives to the hoop.
The Greek Freak’s brother would be a cool project to take on, if nothing else. At 6-10, he’s a mobile forward who should be capable of spending time at center once his frame fills out. Maybe it gives the Sixers a leg up in recruiting Giannis Antetokounmpo come 2021?
NBA DRAFT: Potential second-round options
The Ringer
- Miles Bridges, Michigan State (10th); Khyri Thomas, Creighton (26th); Grayson Allen, Duke (38th); Rodions Kurucs, Barcelona 2 (39th); Jevon Carter, West Virginia (56th); Brandon McCoy, UNLV (60th)
Miles Bridges, not to be confused with Mikal, is another favorite at 10. He’s strong enough to play small-ball four, but will likely spend time at both forward spots for a Sixers team that can benefit from his perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
Thomas was one of the best perimeter defenders in college basketball last season, using his length and instincts to disrupt passing lanes and bother opposing ball handlers. Grayson Allen is another first-round talent, giving the Sixers an elite shooter who can put the ball on the floor when needed.
Carter was an elite defender at the collegiate level, averaging 3.0 steals per game. He’s too small to defend multiple positions, but can lock down opposing point guards and force turnovers aplenty with his quick hands.
The Step Back
- Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech (10th); Josh Okogie, Georgia Tech (26th); Rodions Kurucs, Barcelona 2 (38th); Elie Okobo, Pau Orthez (39th); Kerwin Roach, Texas (56th); Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Kansas (60th)
Smith is a dark-horse candidate, offering the Sixers elite athleticism and instincts on both sides of the ball. At 6-4 with a 6-10 wingspan, he’s versatile enough to defend three positions. He’s far from a finished product offensively, but he plays a smart brand of basketball and leverages his athleticism as a cutter.
Okogie put together a strong sophomore campaign at Georgia Tech, showcasing two-way upside that teams will have to consider late in the first round. He’s an impressive athlete with legitimate shot-making ability, both off the bounce and spotting up.
You can read our profile on Elie Okobo here. I’m not sure he’ll fall to 39 at this point.
Roach is an athletic playmaker who could give the Sixers another creator on the perimeter. Mykhailiuk, despite being a senior, is only 20. His shooting could be a nice add at the end of the draft.
SB Nation
- Mikal Bridges, Villanova (10th); Kevin Huerter, Maryland (26th)
This mock only went through the first round. Bridges, again, is the most common projection at 10. He’s probably the safest player given his clear-cut fit and NBA-ready skill set, although somebody like Gilgeous-Alexander or Miles Bridges might offer more upside.
Huerter has been a big riser ever since the combine. Many viewed him as a first-round pick in 2019, but he might make that leap a year early. He’s a skilled shooter with nice instincts on the offensive end, traits that should make him the perfect fit in Brett Brown’s system.