The Philadelphia 76ers currently hold the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
The 2020 NBA Draft was originally scheduled for June 25, but the coronavirus pandemic has rendered that date virtually impossible. It’s still time for teams to dive into the pre-draft process, however, and Elton Brand has already discussed the Philadelphia 76ers‘ strategy for this year’s class.
As expected, Brand emphasized defense and versatility when discussing the Sixers’ plans for 2020. The Sixers have, under Brand, made physical imposition a priority. They want to bruise and batter opponents, even if it means certain sacrifices on the offensive end.
It is perfectly valid to question Brand’s team-building vision. The Al Horford signing was a red flag, and his willingness to ignore offense with two consecutive first round picks — Zhaire Smith and Matisse Thybulle — could hint at where the Sixers will inevitably go once more.
I could talk at length about prospects who Philadelphia should target — Kira Lewis Jr., Nico Mannion, Tyrell Terry, Devon Dotson. All four players are names to watch, and are well worth your time on YouTube if you’re bored with nothing better to do.
In this article, the plan is different. I’m going to briefly dissect three prospects who fall in Brand’s wheelhouse. Three prospects who feel like Sixers prospects, for better or worse. Not necessarily bad fits, not necessarily good fits. Just players who operate on Brand’s basketball wavelength.
3. Josh Green, Arizona
PROJECTED DRAFT RANGE: 15-30
POSITION ON BIG BOARD: 18
Maybe the best pure athlete in this year’s class, Josh Green is sure to garner a lot of attention outside the lottery. There are questions about his skill set offensively, but he’s a gutsy defender and has a high ceiling tied directly to his elite-level athleticism.
Green is 6-foot-6 with an impressive 6-foot-11 wingspan. He can defend multiple positions, and he can occupy multiple roles on that side of the floor. His tools make for a great free safety — someone who can explode into passing lanes, sneak in for weak-side blocks, and cover a lot of ground. He’s also a strong presence on-ball, and can handle the NBA’s most athletically dominant wings.
The Sixers like 3-and-D wings, with a heavy emphasis on the D. Green falls directly into that category. He’s not a great shooter, and some doubt his ability to shoot at a high volume, but his mechanics aren’t broken. He should develop into a useful spot-up shooter, if nothing else.
In addition to his three-point shot, Green has great upside as a cutter and a slasher. He can explode to the rim, and he’s comfortable finishing up top when presented with the opportunity. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are great at finding cutters, so having one on the roster isn’t the worst idea.
Expect Green to hover on the Sixers’ radar all summer.
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.
1. Tre Jones, Duke
PROJECTED DRAFT RANGE: 15-30
POSITION ON BIG BOARD: 27
If the Sixers decide to finally address the point guard position, few players are more aligned with Brand’s tendencies than Tre Jones. He’s a sophomore with a proven track record and NBA bloodline. He’s not the most exciting prospect, but he’s one of the most accomplished prospects.
Jones was one of college basketball’s top point guards last season. He’s the type of player who makes winning plays, however they may come about. He plays his tail off on defense, he’s selfless on offense, and he keeps mistakes at a minimum. He’s the type of rookie Brett Brown could come to trust early on.
Despite his small frame, Jones should make a positive impact on defense. He’s a one-position defender, but there’s value in a hard-nosed point guard who can bottle up his fellow ball-handlers. He aggressively targets the point of attack, he fights over screens, and he makes use of his quick hands.
On offense, Jones is a quality shooter who can survive off-ball — something the Sixers should value. He’s adept in the pick-and-roll and he’s not prone to many turnovers. While Jones may lack a certain degree of explosiveness as a scorer, he does all the little things to help an offense run smoothly.
If the Sixers target a point guard, Jones seems like the overwhelming favorite a few months out. It’s too early to predict with any level of certainty, but keep an eye on the Duke product.