Philadelphia 76ers: April 2020 mock NBA Draft round-up

The Philadelphia 76ers currently own the 22nd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Who do the experts have them selecting?

As the world awaits the return of basketball, many have turned their attention — however briefly — to the 2020 NBA Draft class. It is an interesting bunch of prospects, even if the top-end talent pales in comparison to 2018 and 2019. The Philadelphia 76ers currently have a late first-round pick on the docket.

The Sixers are not guaranteed a selection in 2020. Their own pick is slated to go to Brooklyn. They currently own Oklahoma City’s first-round pick, but it’s top-20 protected. If the season resumes and OKC slides in the standings, then the Thunder would keep their pick.

Assuming the Sixers do keep the pick, however, there are several intriguing prospects expected to be on the board. Philadelphia has some glaring needs on the perimeter, plus an overall need for cheap, serviceable long-term talent. The Sixers are out of cap space for the foreseeable future.

Here’s a quick roundup of who the experts have Philadelphia picking.

Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Nico Mannion, Arizona

Formerly a top-10 recruit, Nico Mannion underwhelmed in his freshman season at Arizona. He shot a lowly 37 percent from the field and struggled to show the burst and athleticism needed to thrive at the next level, especially as a point guard.

On a more positive note, Mannion is a whip-smart playmaker, a smooth 3-point shooter, and someone who could carve out an NBA role on intelligence alone. The Sixers need guards (and more specifically, playmaking guards) to boost the halfcourt offense. Mannion is a high-profile option if he falls to the 20s.

Jake Rill, Bleacher Report: Jalen Smith, Maryland

Frankly, I don’t see the logic here. The Sixers would need to have a particular love for Jalen Smith, because otherwise, the value of solid guard play simply outweighs the value of another reserve center. The Sixers invested in Norvel Pelle, and with Joel Embiid and Al Horford on the roster, Pelle feels like enough.

Smith does have appeal as a floor-stretching, rim-protecting center who improved massively in his sophomore season at Maryland. He’s a good prospect and is worth looks in the mid-20s. I’m just not sure Philadelphia is the right fit.

Tankathon: Paul Reed, DePaul

Certainly another bold projection. By all means, Paul Reed deserves a first-round glance. He’s an accomplished all-around prospect who, at 6-foot-9, has a favorable skill set and physical profile. Most projections, however, cast him as a second-round pick, even if he’s higher on some draftniks’ boards.

Chris Stone, Sporting News: Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama

Kira Lewis Jr. is a personal favorite of mine, at least when it comes to Sixers projections. He’s a lightning-bolt athlete — possibly the fastest end-to-end player in the 2020 class. He can put immense pressure on the defense with speed alone, whether it’s weaving in and out of pick-and-rolls, or pushing the tempo in transition.

The Sixers need an extra spark in the backcourt. Someone who can liven up the halfcourt offense and add a dash of self-creation to the mix. Lewis is an ideal candidate. Not only does he profile well athletically, but he was also extremely productive at Alabama. He’s not perfect, but he wouldn’t face too much pressure in Philadelphia.

Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation: Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama

Make it happen! It’s about time Philadelphia added a quick-twitch playmaker.

Me, Here: Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama

Color me skeptical of the Sixers actually picking an interesting prospect who isn’t some variation of a 3-and-D wing. But Lewis makes a lot of sense, and the Sixers may have finally realized their need to balance out the roster. He’s a clear favorite a few months out.

You can check out ESPN’s mock draft here and The Athletic’s mock draft here for more good content, some involving the Sixers. You simply need subscriptions.