Philadelphia 76ers: Late May 2019 NBA Mock Draft roundup

A quick roundup of who the Philadelphia 76ers are currently projected to pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

The Philadelphia 76ers hold the 24th, 33nd, 34th, 42nd and 54th picks in the 2019 NBA Draft. While those numbers might change on trade night — trades up, down and every which way seem plausible — the Sixers should have the chance to add legitimate contributors to the rotation.

Most are focused on the 24th pick, which currently marks the Sixers’ only first-round selection after missing out on No. 1 overall. With most of the class’ talent concentrated toward the top, there’s a wealth of potential options in the mid-20s. The Sixers, as a result, are connected to several different prospects.

In an effort to pinpoint those who are gaining the most traction, I made an effort to consult (and condense) mock drafts from around the internet. In line with the aforementioned point about uncertainty, there wasn’t a single prospect mentioned twice.

The Athletic: Ty Jerome, Guard, Virginia

The Sixers need shooting as long as Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and (ideally) Jimmy Butler inhabit the same floor. There will be a few options to address such a need at 24, including Virginia’s Ty Jerome. He played an integral role in the Cavs’ championship run this past March.

ESPN: Matisse Thybulle, Forward, Washington

Few draft experts are more plugged in than ESPN’s Jonathon Givony and Mike Schmitz, who offer both intel and educated opinions. Thybulle has long been connected to the Sixers on that front, with Philadelphia — in their mind — prioritizing wing defense over additional shot creation.

Thybulle anchored an elite Washington zone last season, averaging 3.5 steals and 2.2 blocks per contest. His length, athleticism and instincts at 6-foot-7 should allow those defensive talents to translate, even if the NBA will force him into man-to-man coverage.

The Sixers need two-way players and Thybulle still shot 30.5 percent from deep (and 85.1 percent from the free throw line), so there’s room for optimism on that front. If he can become a viable spot-up shooter, Thybulle will provide value off the bench.

To read ESPN’s full mock draft, click here (subscription needed).

Bleacher Report: Grant Williams, Forward, Tennessee

"“Williams may have lost some supporters at the combine when he struggled to make shots against second-round prospects during scrimmages. However, one team is bound to be sold on his intangibles, skill level from the post as a scorer or passer and excellent defensive instincts.” — Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report"

The Sixers’ frontcourt was thin in the postseason and Williams, while not a solution at center, could add an immediate boost as a power forward and occasional small-ball five. The two-time reigning SEC Player of the Year has earned the right to be considered despite being a less-than-perfect fit.

At 6-foot-7, Williams’ 241-pound frame should allow him to functionally defend bigger bodies in the post. His basketball I.Q. shines on both ends, whether it’s jumping into passing lanes or dropping high-level assists out of the post.

Williams wasn’t a great three-point shooter in college, but his mid-range touch and mechanics should allow his range to expand. His post scoring, passing ability and general I.Q. are traits Brett Brown can lean on, having Williams run dribble-handoffs on the perimeter, pass out of pick-and-rolls or operate in the post when Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons sit.

To read Bleacher Report’s full mock draft, click here.

The Ringer: Tyler Herro, Guard, Kentucky

"“Shooting is a premium skill in the NBA, and Herro displays the potential to be a dynamic shot maker and a well-rounded two-way player.” — Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer"

Herro started the season slowly before finding his rhythm late in the campaign. All in all, he has a chance to become Kentucky’s best prospect in 2019, boasting one key NBA skill: shooting. The Sixers, of course, need shooting.

Similar to the aforementioned Jerome, Herro has a chance to fill the sharpshooting comboguard role in the second unit, a role the Sixers relinquished when trading Landry Shamet for Tobias Harris at the deadline. Herro checks out as one of the draft’s best spot-up shooters. He already has off-ball movement skills that would make J.J. Redick proud.

He can also score off the dribble, boasting touch inside and a fairly dynamic pull-up game. At 6-foot-6, Herro is also a decent athlete with room to grow his frame. He hustles on defense and should be able to survive at the next level.

To read The Ringer’s full mock draft, click here.

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CBS Sports: Carsen Edwards, Guard, Purdue

"“Edwards’ incredible performances in the NCAA Tournament — especially his 42-point game against the Virginia team that went on to win the national championship — helped the Purdue junior with NBA front offices, and now he’s a likely first-round pick. The 6-1 guard averaged 24.3 points in 35.4 minutes per game this season while shooting 35.5% from 3-point range. At worst, I think, Edwards projects as an instant-offense contributer perfectly suited to come off of the bench.” — Gary Parrish, CBS Sports"

Edwards boosted his stock considerably in the NCAA Tournament, carrying Purdue through several rounds with his red-hot scoring. Listed a 6-foot-, his height will push some teams away. But with a 6-foot-6 wingspan, Edwards still has the length and athleticism to aptly defend his position.

In the NBA, Edwards projects cleanly in the microwave scoring role that so often earns Sixth Man of the Year nominations. The Sixers’ bench lacked firepower in the postseason, especially once Mike Scott got hurt. Adding someone with Edwards’ off-the-dribble scoring could provide a much-needed jolt.

Along with his pull-up game, Edwards has proven himself useful off the ball. He can run around screens and shoot off movement, a skill the Sixers value. He has the tools to both generate points in the halfcourt and play next to Simmons, Butler and Philadelphia’s core pieces.

To read CBS Sports’ full mock draft, click here.

Sports Illustrated: Cameron Johnson, Forward, North Carolina

"“At this point, Johnson looks one of the more NBA-ready wings available, with a potentially elite catch and shoot profile that makes him a good first-round bet despite his advanced age and history of leg injuries. He’ll only be average defensively, but his touch and mechanics are for real, and Johnson will have to be accounted for on the floor at all times.” — Jeremy Woo, The Crossover"

Listed at 6-foot-8, Johnson projects as one of the draft’s best shooters. In a league gravitating toward the three-point line, someone with Johnson’s size and shooting touch has innate value. He’s someone the Sixers have been connected to before.

A strong role player, Johnson is an upperclassman who could add to the Sixers’ rotation right away. He’s a willing ball-mover and elite spot-up shooter, often cutting, relocating and finding open pockets on the perimeter. He’s a natural fit in the Sixers’ motion-heavy, jumbo-sized lineups.

While not an elite defender, Johnson has the tools to defend a couple spots and room to add more muscle if needed, though maintaining his shot is the top priority. He doesn’t possess much star upside, but his floor and basic skill set are enough to benefit the Sixers.

To read Sports Illustrated’s full mock draft, click here.

HoopsHabit: Mfiondu Kabengele, Big, Florida State

"“The Philadelphia 76ers have an interesting offseason in front of them, but one thing they can do right away is getting some help for Joel Embiid. Mfiondu Kabengele is 6’10″, 256 pounds and has a 7’2″ wingspan. He has a fantastic physical profile, and his skill-set could be an excellent addition behind the Sixers star center.” — Ty Delbridge, HoopsHabit"

The Sixers’ backup center situation was an absolute mess this postseason. While Boban Marjanovic survived the Nets series, Toronto demolished just about anyone not named Joel Embiid. Aside from one good Greg Monroe game, it was a complete train wreck.

While the Sixers have other needs to address, adding better — not more — depth behind Embiid should rank near the top of Elton Brand‘s priorities list. Kabengele presents an intriguing options who’s quickly rising up draft boards in the midst of a seemingly strong pre-draft process.

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At 6-foot-9, Kebengele is a strong, mobile center who shot 36.9 percent on three-point attempts. He’s Dikembe Mutombo‘s nephew, flashes great shot-blocking instincts and has the tools to develop into a versatile two-way option behind Embiid. If the Sixers find themselves locked in on selecting a big man, Kabengele is a compelling option.