Rookies/potential to make the roster
Breaking down the players you can expect to see on the 15 (or 17)-man roster next season.
Zhaire Smith, G/F, Texas Tech
Smith will be an obvious focal point this summer. The reigning 16th overall pick won’t see much playing time next season, but his two-way upside is something the Sixers were wise to invest in. That upside is the very reason The Stepien’s Jackson Hoy viewed Smith as a top-10 prospect.
While still raw offensively, Smith is already an elite perimeter defender. As arguably the best athlete in the 2018 class, his ability to jump passing lanes, lock up ball-handlers and make the occasional weak-side block should lead to some highlight plays over the next week.
He’s also liable for some flashy plays on the offensive end, normally of the above-the-rim variety. He needs to become more reliable as a ball-handler, but his athleticism and high-I.Q. allows him to contribute in a complimentary role.
More from Sixers News
- 3 Sixers players who could help Team USA Basketball
- 76ers 2k24 ratings: 3 most underrated players on Philadelphia roster
- 76ers head coach Nick Nurse bares lofty plans for Paul Reed this season
- Grade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock deal
- Breaking Down Bombshell Report on Sixers Star James Harden
His cutting should fit nicely next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid at the next level, while he seems capable of knocking down open spot-up jumpers. If his stroke and handles improve, the upside is tantalizing.
Landry Shamet, G, Wichita State
The Sixers’ 26th overall pick, Shamet was a surprise pickup in the first round. His skill set is an obvious fit in their current rotation, though, providing knockdown shooting and secondary ball-handling off the bench.
Shamet isn’t an elite athlete and may struggle in spots because of that, but he’s incredibly smart and seldom makes mistakes. The NBA adjustment should come naturally to him, as he’ll be able to hit shots off movement and make plays in the pick-and-roll.
Furkan Korkmaz, G/F, Sixers
Korkmaz was on the roster last season, splitting time between the Sixers and Sevens. His production — even in the G-League — was spotty and inconsistent, but he still has upside as a 6-foot-8 wing who can shoot the ball at a high level.
Jonah Bolden, F/C, Maccabi Tel Aviv
After spending last season overseas, the Sixers’ primary draft-and-stash prospect will finally look to crack the NBA next season. The Sixers still need to find roster space (and buy out his contract overseas), but Bolden could play valuable minutes as a reserve big behind Amir Johnson and Nemanja Bjelica in the rotation.
He showed out in last year’s Vegas tournament, displaying the kind of defensive versatility that has become vital in the modern NBA. At 6-foot-10, Bolden can switch on the perimeter and defend the rim at a high level.
His upside as a shooter and transition playmaker are also intriguing at the four/five spots.
Demetrius Jackson, G, Sixers
Jackson was once considered a top-20 prospect in 2016, but lingering concerns dropped him to the 45th pick. Since then, he has spent time with Boston, Houston and Philly — with the latter coming on a two-way contract.
The Sixers probably won’t give him that spot next season, but he’s still a talented guard who can carve out a role in the NBA. His athleticism and shot-making stood out at Notre Dame.