Philadelphia 76ers: Filling out the 2018 NBA rookie survey

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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Which rookie will be the best playmaker?

Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Los Angeles Clippers
Elie Okobo, Phoenix Suns
Troy Brown Jr., Washington Wizards

This is another category that, in some ways, is hard to pin down. Doncic and Trae are the clear No. 1 and 2, though, so it’s the remainder of the field that’s difficult to sort through.

Doncic joins Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball as one of several gifted playmakers to enter the league in recent years. In a way, though, he’s more traditional than Lonzo and Simmons, using the pick-and-roll to shred opposing defenses. He can also score proficiently at all three levels, adding more dynamism to his game.

Young is probably in that group as well. Too often last season, Young’s shooting overshadowed the special nature of his passing. Whether it be in the pick-and-roll or in transition, Young was able to read the floor at an elite level, pinpointing passes with either hand. He’ll be fun to watch in the Hawks’ up-tempo system.

It didn’t take long for Gilgeous-Alexader — a four-star recruit — to emerge as Kentucky’s most reliable offensive player last season. There are concerns about his shooting, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s size, handles and change-of-pace ability allows him to break down defenders and locate open teammates.

Okobo finished the summer in the top-20 on my draft board, making him a potential steal in the second round. As a lefty, Okobo is known more for his dynamic scoring. But he has had some impressive flashes as a passer too, offering a fair amount of playmaking upside, even if he isn’t consistently brilliant yet.

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Brown gets points for versatility, displaying some advanced ball-handling and playmaking upside on the wing. He looked good in Summer League and should be thrust into minutes right away next season, even with Washington’s perimeter depth.