2. Robert Woodard II, Mississippi State
PROJECTED DRAFT RANGE: 20-40
POSITION ON BIG BOARD: N/A
Another 3-and-D wing who fits snuggly in the vision of Elton Brand, Robert Woodard is a name to watch. He has risen up draft boards all season, and many projections now label him as a late first-round pick. The Sixers will certainly be in the mix of teams studying his tape.
Woodard came on strong as a sophomore. He unveiled an improved three-point stroke and he continued his growth as a defender. He’s 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, and checks in at 235 pounds. From a physical standpoint, there are few players who are more NBA ready.
Offensive limitations are my biggest concern with Woodard. He doesn’t have much of a handle, and he’s not particularly dynamic as a shooter. His three-point success came on low volume, and it’s reasonable to doubt just how far his improvement will stretch at the next level.
If you buy Woodard as a shooter, however, it’s easy see the appeal in Philadelphia. He can defend all over the place, he’s a smart, team-oriented player, and his effort level is a source of acclaim. He tries hard, and to quote Brett Brown, he’s someone who can guard.
He is in a similar vein as Green stylistically. He doesn’t solve the Sixers’ need for dynamism in the second unit, but if Brand is dead-set on another 3-and-D wing, Woodard checks all the boxes he has traditionally valued.