The Philadelphia 76ers will have two early second-round picks in the 2019 NBA Draft. Who should they consider?
The Philadelphia 76ers are slated to have five selections in the 2019 NBA Draft, including four second-round picks. With consecutive picks at 33 and 34, the Sixers have an opportunity add two valuable contributors on non-guaranteed contracts.
We have already profiled five potential options at 33, but those names are viable at 34 as well. And vice versa. These two articles should blend together, detailing 10 prospects worth eyeing in the early second round. If the Sixers keep both picks, there’s no real difference between 33 and 34.
As for the general archetype Philadelphia should pursue, there are several options at this stage in the draft. Perimeter depth should be priority in the first round, but the Sixers also need frontcourt depth — perhaps a new backup for Joel Embiid.
In our previous installment, several potential big men were mentioned — Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford chief among them. We’ll include a few more in this article as well. There’s no harm in adding additional wings either.
Here are five prospects to consider.
5. Darius Bazley, New Balance
Once a five-star recruit, Darius Bazley passed up college and professional opportunities to intern at New Balance and train for the NBA Draft. Now, after spending the season flying under the radar, he’s gaining real traction as a potential first-round pick.
There’s still a chance Bazley slips into the second round as a relative unknown, though. If that happens, the Sixers are a real possibility in the 33-34 range. Philadelphia needs frontcourt depth and lives on long, versatile bodies. Bazley fits the mold.
At 6-foot-9, Bazley projects as a raw — but gifted — offensive talent. He can handle in transition, hit shots at all three levels and move with impressive finesse for his size. His upside as a dynamic shot-creator at the three/four spots warrants first-round consideration. It’s a unique skill package.
While not a consistent shooter, Bazley has touch and the shot-making gene. He hits contested jumpers on the regular, showing range out to the three-point line. He can also finish difficult looks at the rim, it’s just a matter of upping his overall efficiency and showing up every night.
4. Luka Samanic, Olimpija Ljubljana
Another late riser who could garner first-round consideration, Luka Samanic is the top international prospect outside the Sekou Doumbouya-Goga Bitadze duo. A skilled four who can shoot and defend, there’s obvious appeal in Samanic. He’s also a potential stash candidate, which offers Philadelphia some flexibility.
While not an elite shooter, Samanic’s three-point stroke deserves credit and has room to improve. He’s also skilled inside, can handle in straight lines and thrives attacking closeouts. He has the tools to blossom if his three-point threat becomes a real, constant one.
At 6-foot-11, Samanic’s size and versatility are somewhat offset by his negative wingspan. Even so, he can survive against natural power forwards and has the lateral quickness to defend in space. He just needs to add strength before battling NBA athletes.
If Samanic can develop his handles and tap into his passing more often, there’s obvious value in slotting him into the Sixers’ rotation. He can keep defenders honest, move the ball and operate within the offense — all attributes Brett Brown appreciates.
3. Eric Paschall, Villanova
The Sixers drafted a hometown product last season in Mikal Bridges, though his stint was short-lived. Like, 10 minutes long. But another Villanova prospect will inevitably show up on Philadelphia’s radar this summer: Eric Paschall.
While not the same caliber of prospect as Bridges, Paschall deserves credit for a strong senior campaign as Nova’s most important piece. He upped his scoring average, shot a respectable rate from deep and continued his evolution on defense. He’s the ideal two-way four in the modern NBA.
At 6-foot-7, Paschall’s 7-foot wingspan, 254-pound frame and explosiveness allow him to defend well beyond his height. He’s mobile in space, but can also bang inside and out-muscle bigger forwards. He has some small-ball five intrigue as a result, especially with his spot-up shooting.
In addition to his shooting, Paschall can use his thick frame to attack downhill and finish inside. Whether it’s running in transition or diving off a screen, he has soft touch and brawn. There’s some underlying offensive versatility that hasn’t quite been tapped into yet. Even at 22 years old, there’s room for growth.
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.
1. Grant Williams, Tennessee
Grant Williams will enter June 20 as a top-15 prospect on my draft board. He shouldn’t be available in the second round. Intel-laden mocks like ESPN and The Athletic, however, have placed Williams in that range nonetheless. Teams are worried about his tweener status and lack of elite athleticism.
If Williams is available in the 33-34 range, Philadelphia should pull the trigger with absolute zeal. There are concerns about Williams’ shooting, but he has shown growth in that respect. He’s already a smooth mid-range shooter. His value is rooted in his basketball I.Q.
He’s an incredibly smart passer, whether it’s working in the post or screening and rolling to the rim. His vision, coupled with a solid 6-foot-8 frame, makes him an enticing auxiliary piece at the four. He’s also a skilled post scorer who can punish mismatches inside. It’s easy to picture his fit in Brett Brown’s offense.
Williams would fit into the Sixers’ defensive scheme as well. He can switch, make on-point rotations and put himself in the right position on a possession-by-possession basis. Even without a high vertical, his strength and instincts make him a highly impactful defender.