Philadelphia 76ers: Filling out the 2018 NBA rookie survey

Which rookie was the biggest steal and where was he selected in the draft?

• 1. De’Anthony Melton (46), Houston Rockets
• 2. Keita Bates-Diop (48), Minnesota Timberwolves
• 3. Michael Porter Jr. (14), Denver Nuggets
• 4. Lonnie Walker IV (18), San Antonio Spurs
• 5. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (47), Los Angeles Lakers

Melton was a first-round talent stolen by Daryl Morey and the championship-cotending Rockets midway through the second round. Despite missing his sophomore season at USC, Melton could be an immediate rotation piece next season.

Along with his defensive ceiling, Melton has worked hard to reconstruct his jumper and become a reliable spot-up shooter. That will aid his fit in Houston, along with his ability to function as a secondary playmaker next to James Harden and Chris Paul.

Bates-Diop was another first-round talent stolen by a Western Conference playoff team. The Wolves aren’t exactly swimming in frontcourt depth right now, so there’s a real chance we see the Ohio State product getting minutes off the bench next season.

With that said, Thibs gonna Thibs. We might not see the rookie until 2019-20.

Porter was in the running for No. 1 pick coming into the season. Back injuries are tricky — and there are valid concerns about his style of play — but he’s a gifted 6-foot-10 scorer with serious mismatch potential at the four spot. He was well worth the gamble at the end of the lottery.

Walker was the No. 10 prospect on my board, but injuries dropped his stock as well. Now he’s an elite athlete joining Gregg Popovich’s system in San Antonio. His defensive ceiling is tantalizing, while his off-ball cutting and scoring upside should earn him minutes right away.

Mykhailiuk is the one wildcard on my ballot, but he’s in a great position next to LeBron James in L.A. As somebody who had more freedom in overseas competition than he did at Kansas, the 6-foot-8 marksman showcased some new skills in Summer League.

He’s worth penciling into this list.