2. Dylan Windler, Belmont
Dylan Windler spent his collegiate career at Belmont, a mid-major receiving minimal national coverage. Now he’s a potential first-round pick who, as a median outcome, could be available in the Sixers’ early second-round range. He would be an excellent option.
At 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Windler’s size and athleticism are no joke. He’s not elite in that respect, but he’s mobile and has room to add strength. He can defend his position and won’t get run off the court by better competition.
On offense, Windler’s sweet-shooting approach should entice the Sixers. He’s one of the draft’s better shooters, possessing the ability to shoot on the move and release quickly in traffic. He already moves around screens, cuts to the rim and finds open pockets at a high level. It’s not hard to envision immediate success as a role player in an NBA rotation next season.
There are concerns about how Windler will fare against high-end competition, as he struggled when facing top defenses in college. But his compact mechanics, skill level and effort all indicate a path toward success in the right environment.