The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers 2018 NBA Draft Guide

By Christopher Kline

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Zhaire Smith (2) dunks during the first half of the Under Armour Reunion College Basketball game between the Seton Hall Pirates and the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 30, 2017, at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Zhaire Smith (2) dunks during the first half of the Under Armour Reunion College Basketball game between the Seton Hall Pirates and the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 30, 2017, at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 9
Next
(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

POTENTIAL OPTIONS AT No. 10

The Sixers will have a few different names on their radar when the 10th overall pick rolls around. Some have been heavy favorites for weeks, while others have only recently worked their way into the discussion. Here are the prospects worth keeping an eye on.

Mikal Bridges, G/F, Villanova

There is reportedly plenty of mutual interest between the Sixers and Bridges, a hometown kid who played down the street at Villanova. He’s a prototypical 3-and-D wing, boasting fluid mechanics on his shot and one of the highest defensive ceilings in the draft.

His lack of self-creation is concerning to some Sixers fans, but he’d be a safe pick who can contribute (and add value) in the playoffs.

Zhaire Smith, G/F, Texas Tech

Smith worked out twice with the Sixers and is reportedly gaining steam as a potential option at 10. If Bridges is picked by the Knicks at No. 9, Smith might emerge as the tentative favorite tomorrow night.

The opinions regarding Smith vary widely depending on who you talk to. Some covet his upside, while others can’t see past his weaknesses. He’s not much of a ball-handler or shooter at this point, meaning he’d likely struggle to find rotation minutes early on.

With that said, he’s also the best athlete in the draft. His defensive upside and high basketball I.Q. might be worth investing in.

Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky

Knox also had two workouts with the Sixers and has been shooting up draft boards in recent weeks. A fluid 6-foot-9 athlete who can space the floor and attack closeouts, NBA spacing should help his game blossom.

Trae Young, G, Oklahoma

Young seems to be tumbling down draft boards. If the Hawks don’t move down from the No. 3 spot, there’s a good chance that he’s available at 10 — giving the Sixers an opportunity to draft the best point guard prospect in the draft.

I’ll put it simply: If Young is there, you have to take him. He probably won’t be the favorite, though.

Other names worth watching: Miles Bridges (Michigan State), Lonnie Walker IV (Miami), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky)