Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking every player on the roster (April 2020)
16. Marial Shayok
PRESEASON RANKING: 16
When the 2019 NBA Draft concluded, Philadelphia fans were collectively discontented. The trade package to acquire Matisse Thybulle at No. 20 was largely considered excessive. Elton Brand then proceeded to trade almost all of the Sixers’ second-round picks for cash, not assets. The only pick after Thybulle was Marial Shayok at No. 54.
Shayok wasn’t a heralded prospect. He didn’t crack the top-60 on many draft boards. He was barely in the top-100 on some. An older prospect who bounced between Virginia and Iowa State, Shayok lacked the glitz and perceived upside of other late second-round picks.
This season has largely been spent in the G-League for Shayok, who is buried deep in the Sixers’ wing rotation. And understandably so. The Sixers have several capable wings on the roster, and Shayok’s NBA days are inherently limited due to the nature of two-way contracts.
The G-Leauge has, however, given Shayok a chance to prove his mettle as a genuine NBA prospect. In 35 games before the suspension of play, Shayok averaged 23 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists as Delaware’s primary scoring threat. He’s one of the G-League’s best players.
Naturally, some have compared Shayok’s early career arc to Shake Milton, another late second-round pick who spent his first season on a two-way contract and in the G-League. Milton was similarly dominant last season, and he has burst onto the NBA scene in year two.
Maybe — just maybe — a similar jump is in store for Shayok.