The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 options for 10th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft

By Christopher Kline

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) looks on during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between the Syracuse Orange and the Michigan State Spartans on March 18, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Syracuse defeated Michigan State 55-53. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) looks on during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between the Syracuse Orange and the Michigan State Spartans on March 18, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Syracuse defeated Michigan State 55-53. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 6: Kentucky Wildcats guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22) bringing the ball up court is guarded by Tennessee Volunteers guard Jordan Bowden (23) during a game between the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers on January 6, 2018, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Tennessee defeated the Wildcats 76-65. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 6: Kentucky Wildcats guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22) bringing the ball up court is guarded by Tennessee Volunteers guard Jordan Bowden (23) during a game between the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers on January 6, 2018, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Tennessee defeated the Wildcats 76-65. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky

Depending on your level of trust in Markelle Fultz, the Sixers don’t necessarily need another point guard. They do need playmakers, though, and one as talented as Gilgeous-Alexander is worth consideration. He’s versatile enough to fit into a rotation consisting of Simmons and Fultz, to boot.

At 6-6 with a 7-0 wingspan, Gilgeous-Alexander has some of the best individual measurements in the draft. According to The Athletic’s database, the only other point guard with an 8-8+ standing reach is Shaun Livingston. That speaks volumes about Gilgeous-Alexander’s defensive potential.

On the offensive end, Gilgeous-Alexander should have little issue fitting into the Sixers’ system. His shooting is a slight question mark, but he’s a good enough spot-up threat to play next to Simmons. Shooting off the dribble is something he can improve over time given his proficiency from mid-range.

The Sixers, outside of non-shooters in Simmons, Fultz and McConnell, didn’t have a legitimate pick-and-roll ball handler last season. Gilgeous-Alexander thrives in the pick-and-roll, combining shifty handles, nice scoring touch and excellent vision as a passer.

Gilgeous-Alexander struggled early in the season with Kentucky, but shined as soon as he was handed a bigger role. Down the stretch of the season, he was easily their most effective playmaker, setting up the offense and generating opportunities for a rotation that lacked reliable shot creators.

Some of the Sixers’ postseason struggles were tied to their outright lack of shot creators. They need another piece who can put the ball on the floor and create, both for himself and others, something Gilgeous-Alexander provides.

Alongside his crafty offensive game, Gilgeous-Alexander’s length and basketball I.Q. makes him an excellent perimeter defender. He’ll need to put on muscle, but he’s long enough to defend either guard spot at a high level. His length will bother opposing ball handlers at the point of attack.