The Philadelphia 76ers currently possess one first-round pick. Here are some potential options.
As the 2019 NBA Draft edges closer, it’s time to analyze which prospects could stick on the Philadelphia 76ers‘ radar. The Sixers’ highest pick is 24, where the team snagged Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot just a few years prior. It provides a real opportunity to snag a bench contributor.
While the center position remains a point of concern, the Sixers should target perimeter depth at 24. There will be affordable center options in free agency and there are more appealing wing prospects projected to be available in the Sixers’ range.
The Sixers need shooting and defense in the second unit, ideally adding more to the Mike Scott–James Ennis duo that anchored the bench during Philadelphia’s postseason run. While Ennis feels unlikely to return, one should expect Scott to retain an important role next season.
Odds are both Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris return as well, giving the Sixers two high-level creators alongside the vaunted Joel Embiid–Ben Simmons core. The Sixers need players who can coincide in an environment that keeps at least two on the floor at all times.
Here are five options who are likely to be available when No. 24 hits.
5. Matisse Thybulle, Washington
As a senior, Matisse Thybulle was the grounding force in Washington’s staunch zone defense. While it’s sometimes difficult to project zone defenders at the next level, Thybulle should be the exception. He was one of college basketball’s most impressive defensive talents.
Standing 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan, Thybulle has tremendous physical tools on the wing. He’s long, strong and an underrated athlete, which culminated in all-time block and steal numbers last season. He averaged 3.5 thefts and 2.2 rejections per contest, constantly forcing turnovers and disrupting the opposing offense.
Thybulle thrives off-ball, where his instincts shine. He reads passing lanes, makes quick rotations and seldom gets out of position. There are some minor concerns about his on-ball defense after spending so much time in a zone, but he’s a mobile, switchable wing who has the athleticism to contain quicker players off the dribble.
While not an elite shooter in college — 30.5 percent three-point shooter last season — Thybulle has decent mechanics and an efficient free throw clip, which warrants optimism moving forward. He has the potential to become one of, if not the best defender in the 2019 class. That, coupled with a legitimate spot-up shooting threat, makes him a highly enticing prospect at 24.
4. Chuma Okeke, Auburn
While not to the same degree as Thybulle, Chuma Okeke possesses upside as an off-ball defender. He’s a smart, energetic defender who makes decisive rotations. At 6-foot-8, he offsets limited athleticism with positioning and hustle, often forcing turnovers or walling off smaller players inside.
Okeke should have the tools to switch on the perimeter, protect the weak side and force steals at a decent clip. He’s the kind of high-I.Q., two-way piece the Sixers should strongly consider — even after tearing his ACL during Auburn’s unexpected March Madness run.
On the offensive end, Okeke thrives as an off-ball glue guy. Philadelphia doesn’t need dynamic creators, so someone with Okeke’s skill set — cutting, spot-up shooting and a willing ball-mover — should carry great appeal.
Most mock drafts have Okeke slotted early-to-mid second round, so there’s a good chance the Sixers can steal him at 33 or 34. Even 42 is on the table. But Okeke should only gain steam moving forward and his talents should intrigue the Sixers, which could pursue Elton Brand to pull the trigger at 24.
3. Luguentz Dort, Arizona State
An absolute bulldozer at 6-foot-5, Luguentz Dort should garner consideration at 24. He’s not the cleanest fit — his three-point shooting is wildly inconsistent at this stage — but he’s working to improve in that respect. His upside should trump those concerns.
Dort is an elite-level athleticism, both in terms of explosiveness and strength. He can handle bigger wings in the post and contain smaller guards off the dribble, playing defense with undeniable fervor and effort. He has an impressive two-way ceiling as a result.
On the offensive end, Dort uses his thick frame to get downhill and absorb contact at the rim. His touch as a finisher must improve, but his ability to get dribble penetration and draw fouls is a valuable trait. His quick-twitch athleticism also leaves some shot-creation upside.
If Dort can improve his three-point shot, he has the potential to be a dynamic slasher and defender who fits a tertiary creation role off the Sixers bench. Even without a pressing need for shot creators, Dort’s unique tool kit deserves a look. Good teams tend to have several live-dribble threats.
2. Talen Horton-Tucker, Iowa State
Outside Bol Bol and Tacko Fall, one would be hard-pressed to find a prospect with more unique physical gifts. Talen Horton-Tucker stands 6-foot-4 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, boasting a 235-pound frame. He has the tools to defend one through four on paper, depending on matchups.
In a league centered around versatility, Horton-Tucker’s potential to switch so frequently will appeal to NBA evaluators. He’s strong enough to battle in the post, but has the quickness to defend wings on the perimeter. Some quick-twitch guard might give him trouble, but someone with Horton-Tucker’s length and strength combination deserves first-round consideration.
On the offensive end, Horton-Tucker presents Philadelphia with atypical shot creation upside. He’s not an elite shooter, but has shifty handles and impressive footwork when operating off the bounce. He can create space, hit pull-up jumpers and get to the rim consistently.
The Sixers would need to work on his decision-making — shot selection most importantly — but someone with Horton-Tucker’s microwave potential off the bench has definite appeal. As long as his three-point shot continues to improve, Horton-Tucker has the upside to pay dividends in the first round.
1. Ty Jerome, Virginia
Ty Jerome finished the season as one of college basketball’s most efficient shooters, playing a key role in Virginia’s title run. He spent time at point guard in the Cavs’ system, but projects better as a comboguard in the NBA — a role the Sixers can afford to present him.
Philadelphia needs shooters, full stop. Jerome is an elite shooter, both in catch-and-shoot scenarios and off pull-ups. He’s a limited athlete who lacks quick-twitch movement, but he’s still a shifty ball handler who can occasionally create space for his own shots on the perimeter.
Jerome will be at his best in the NBA as someone who can spot-up, move around screens and operate as a secondary or tertiary creator. He would thrive in the Sixers’ system, earning open looks on the perimeter and running dribble-handoffs with an elite screen-setting big.
A high-I.Q. player and upperclassman, Jerome also fits the Sixers’ timeline. He’s ready to contribute immediately and could fill the void left by Landry Shamet‘s departure at the trade deadline. There aren’t many more appealing options at 24.