Your one-stop shop for Philadelphia 76ers 2018 NBA Draft information.
The Philadelphia 76ers will enter the 2018 NBA Draft tonight with five picks: 10th, 26th, 38th, 56th and 60th. Some of those picks will presumably be traded or stashed, but there will be considerable talent added regardless.
Which direction Brett Brown and the front office is leaning is unknown. Mikal Bridges has been the reported favorite, but he might not make it past the Knicks at No. 9 — in which case Kevin Knox, among many others, could work his way into the conversation.
The discussion surrounding the 26th pick is even more clouded. The 20-45 range in wide open, with a plethora of versatile defenders and high-upside prospects available. To put it shortly, the Sixers will have their choice of several players who fill holes on the current roster.
Some of the prospects the Sixers consider at 26 might also be available at 38 — it’s that kind of draft. There are quality prospects well into the second round, affording the Sixers a valuable opportunity to add cheap talent to a competitive roster.
And thus, we’ll have you covered here at The Sixer Sense. If you’ve been keeping up with the site recently, you know draft coverage is a big part of what we do. From mock drafts, to big boards, to profiles, we try to touch all the bases when it comes to breaking down the draft picture.
This guide is our way of condensing everything into one conveniently placed article. We’ll have our top-30 prospects, including links to every player’s scouting report. We’ll also have a running mock draft for all 60 picks that will be updated all day until 7 PM E.T., when the draft begins.
That, and much, much more. Let’s dive in.
TOP 30 PROSPECTS
These are the best prospects in the draft irrespective of team fit. This class is particularly difficult to get a grasp on, with similar-level prospects populating the late first-round and early second-round conversation. The top eight is also an extremely talented bunch.
Almost every prospect has a scouting report attached, all of which go in-depth on the strengths, weaknesses and potential fit of that prospect. You can find more draft profiles, along with the rest of our draft content, here.
For our full top 60, as well as explanations for every ranking, click here.
UPDATED 2018 NBA MOCK DRAFT: 1ST ROUND
Over the next two slides, we’ll keep a condensed version of our updated projections for all 60 picks. We’ll continue updating the order/picks as reports break and the draft edges closer. For our most recent mock draft with in-depth analysis, click here.
LAST UPDATED: 4:45 PM E.T.
The following slide contains picks 31-60.
UPDATED 2018 NBA MOCK DRAFT: 2ND ROUND
As mentioned in the previous slide, these projections will change throughout the day. The Sixers have three second-round picks (38, 56, 60) after trading the 39th pick to the Lakers for a 2019 second-round pick and cash considerations.
Our draft content over the past several weeks has included draft profiles for numerous second-round prospects.
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)
POTENTIAL OPTIONS AT No. 26
The Sixers can approach the 26th pick a few different ways, assuming they keep it to begin with. Adding more perimeter depth seems to be the expected course of action, but chasing another backup for Joel Embiid is on the table. Here’s who you should care about.
Dzanan Musa, F, KK Cedevita
A pure bucket-getter with one of the most polished offensive games in the draft, Musa is ready to come over and contribute right away. He doesn’t fix their defensive woes in the second unit, but his ability to create shots off the bounce is something the Sixers presently lack.
Grayson Allen, G, Duke
Allen was one of the most hated players in college basketball, and understandably so. Don’t let that cloud your perception of him as a player.
As one of the best shooters in the draft, Allen aids the Sixers’ floor spacing while potentially offering a replacement for J.J. Redick and/or Marco Belinelli if they depart this offseason. He can also act as the secondary ball-handler when needed.
Mitchell Robinson, C, Chamlette H.S.
Formerly a five-star recruit and fringe lottery talent, Robinson has seen some off-court red flags emerge after leaving Western Kentucky last summer. He’s still an elite athlete with one of the highest defensive ceilings in the draft at center. The Sixers could tab him as JoJo’s backup.
Josh Okogie, G/F, Georgia Tech
Okogie is one of the most versatile defenders in the draft at 6-foot-5, using his 7-foot wingspan and high-level athleticism to make plays all over the floor. He’s also an aggressive scorer who can space the floor and slash to the rim.
De’Anthony Melton, G, USC
With impressive physical tools for a comboguard, Melton projects as one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft. He can also act as an auxiliary playmaker next to Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz, although his handles and shooting must improve.
Other names worth watching: Moritz Wagner (Michigan), Jacob Evans (Cincinnati), Khyri Thomas (Creighton), Jalen Brunson (Villanova), Melvin Frazier (Tulane), Bruce Brown Jr. (Miami)
POTENTIAL OPTIONS IN THE 2ND ROUND
Given the Sixers’ offseason plans, it seems likely that they will either trade or stash most of their second-round picks. With that said, the weak international class in this year’s draft could mean one or two collegiate prospects end up joining the team in non-guaranteed fashion.
Shake Milton, G, SMU
Milton checks a lot of boxes for the Sixers, emerging as a consistent spot-up shooter who can operate in the pick-and-roll and shoulder the role of secondary ball-handler. His defensive versatility is another bonus.
Rodions Kurucs, F, Barcelona 2
Kurucs was projected as a first-round talent last season before taking his name out of the draft. After an up-and-down season with minimal consistency in terms of his role, it seems like that decision was a mistake.
As a fluid 6-foot-10 scorer, Kurucs still has plenty of intrigue as a draft-and-stash option. He also has the same agent as Anzejs Pasecniks, who the Sixers stashed last season. That could be a valuable connection.
Jevon Carter, G, West Virginia
Carter defends his tail off at the point guard spot. He can also spot-up next to Ben Simmons while taking on some ball-handling duties in the second unit. He’d be an easy fit with four years of college experience.
Gary Trent Jr., G , Duke
Trent was one of the best shooters in college basketball and has decent size on the wing. He’ll need to improve his all-around skill sets=, but finding an elite shooter is plenty of value in the second round.
Isaac Bonga, G/F, Frankfurt
Another potential draft-and-stash candidate, Bonga is one of the youngest players in the draft. He’s essentially a 6-foot-9 point guard, pushing the pace with long, coordinated strides and displaying impressive instincts as a passer. His defensive versatility is another plus.
The only thing holding Bonga back, aside from his lack of strength, in his jumper. He’ll need to consistently hit perimeter shots to max out his potential in the NBA.
Arnoldas Kulboka, F, Capo D’Orlando
Kulboka is another draft-and-stash candidate with plenty of intrigue as a 6-foot-10 shooter who can score of the dribble. He’ll need to add muscle before coming over to the NBA, though.
Other names worth watching: Issuf Sanon (Olimpija Ljubljana), Trevon Duval (Duke), Jarred Vanderbilt (Kentucky), Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky), Omari Spellman (Villanova), Devon Hall (Virginia), Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (Kansas), Devonte’ Graham (Kansas), Ray Spalding (Louisville), Tryggvi Hlinason (Valenica)
POTENTIAL TRADE UP/DOWN OPTIONS
While there is no indication that the Sixers are prepared to make a significant trade, there’s always a chance that Brett Brown and company find themselves enamored with a prospect who isn’t readily available at 10, 26 or 38.
If that’s the case, the Sixers could look to put together a deal and move up (or down) at various points in the draft.
Zhaire Smith, G/F, Texas Tech
Projected range: 10-18
Smith seems like a very real possibility at 10. If the Sixers decide to go in another direction and Smith slips into the late-teens, though, there’s a chance that they attempt to package 26 and 38 together to grab Smith with their second pick.
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Kevin Huerter, G/F, Maryland
Projected range: 14-21
One of the best off-ball shooters in the draft, Huerter would make the loss of Redick or Belinelli far less painful next season. He’s also a high-I.Q. passer who keeps the ball moving and works within the flow of the offense, which fits Brett Brown’s system rather seamlessly.
Donte DiVincenzo, G, Villanova
Projected range: 19-30
DiVincenzo would crack the Sixers’ rotation immediately as another ball-handler who shoots well from three-point range and plays hard-nosed defense. He’s also a local kid from Villanova, meaning most of the Sixers fanbase is already in his corner.
Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid
Projected range: Top 3
On the off chance that the Sixers are still looking into a top-five pick, Doncic would likely be their target. As arguably the best international prospect of all-time, his all-around skill set and playmaking would add another dynamic to the Sixers’ young core. He’s the best prospect in the draft.
PIECES WORTH READING
Over the past several months, our team has pumped out some great draft-related content. Even with all the craziness of the past few days, most of it remains relevant today. Here are some pieces we recommend reading before the big event tonight.
Miles vs. Mikal: Who’s the better fit for the Sixers? — Morty Silvercarp
An in-depth breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses in Mikal Bridges and Miles Bridges’ games, all while evaluating which prospect would make the most sense in a Sixers uniform. Both are expected to be weighed as options at 10.
Sixers should make a serious push to trade for Luka Doncic — Christopher Kline
The Sixers’ chances of jumping into the top five and taking Doncic seem to be dying. Still, he’s the best prospect in the draft and somebody they should be willing to dole out significant assets in order to obtain.
TSS 2018 NBA Draft Big Board — The Sixer Sense Staff
A consensus ranking of the 14 best prospects who might be available at 10, viewed through a Sixers-centric lens.
4 shooters to target in the 2nd round — Tyler King
It’s no secret that the Sixers need shooting around their core of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Some of their second-round selections could be made with that need in mind.
5 players worth trading up for in the 2018 NBA Draft — Christopher Kline
If the Sixers look to move up on draft night, there are several worthy candidates. Here are the five best options at various stages in the draft.
5 options for 10th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft — Christopher Kline
The Sixers seem to be favoring Mikal Bridges, Zhaire Smith and Kevin Knox as potential options at 10. We analyze which other players should be on their radar and how might they fit on the Sixers’ roster.
Next: 2018 NBA Draft Big Board 7.0
Enjoy the big night, and remember to check back here for updated projections throughout the dsay. The 2018 NBA Draft will air on ESPN tonight, June 21, at 7 PM E.T.