Your one-stop shop for Sixers Draft analysis and projections.
The 2020 NBA Draft is almost upon us, the Philadelphia 76ers currently have five picks in the pipeline — 21, 34, 36, 49, 58. So much happen. So much probably will happen. And we’re here to provide a one-stop shop for all things Sixers Draft.
We aim to provide comprehensive coverage of both the Sixers and the NBA Draft at large. We have a full big board. We have a continuously updating mock draft, which will change regularly as new information surfaces between now and Wednesday night, when the picks are finally made.
We break down players to monitor with every Sixers pick, including a handful of noteworthy prospect profiles. We also have a continuously updating list of Sixers rumors, as well as quality content worth your time.
Let this page serve as home base. You can navigate to a specific portion of our 2020 Sixers Draft Guide below, or you can use the “NEXT” button at the bottom to scroll through at your leisure.
To read our continuously updating mock draft, CLICK HERE.
To read our full big board, CLICK HERE.
To read potential options at No. 21, CLICK HERE.
To read potential options at Nos. 34 & 36, CLICK HERE.
To read potential options at Nos. 48 & 59, CLICK HERE.
To read our continuously updating rumor mill, CLICK HERE.
To read our must-read content, CLICK HERE.
To listen to our related podcasts, CLICK HERE.
2020 MOCK DRAFT
The 2020 NBA Draft is a strange beast. Firstly, it comes after months of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic in America. Secondly, there was no NCAA Tournament, and the pre-draft process was both delayed and expedited.
Teams have had to adapt to foreign circumstances and a compressed timeline. The season starts in just over a month — Dec. 22 — so teams will also have to consider the lack of development time ahead of next season. It could lead to more upperclassmen and “sure things,” or it could spark the opposite — more teams punting picks down the line and drafting projects. No one knows.
With that said, projections are tough. Based on a whole lot of reading, as well as team fit and my own gut feeling (I know, I know, super meaningful), here’s how the NBA Draft might shake out. You can expect continuous updates between now and Wednesday night’s draft, so be sure to check back.
Last updated: 7:36 PM, Nov. 18
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2020 NBA DRAFT BIG BOARD
What the 2020 NBA Draft lacks in top-end talent, it makes up for with plenty of depth. There’s a lot of value outside the lottery, and the Sixers could strike gold at 21.
The following is my big board — the 30 best prospects in this year’s class. This does not take into account team fit, nor is it indicative of who a certain team should select. It is simply a cut-and-dry ranking of individual prospects, based on a cumulation of stats, tape, upside, and personal preference.
CLICK HERE to see 31-60, w/ FULL ANALYSIS.
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With the 21st pick, the Philadelphia 76ers select…
Who? That is the question weighing most prominently on the minds of Philadelphia fans ahead of Wednesday’s NBA Draft. There’s no guarantee the Sixers keep the pick, but assuming Daryl Morey stays put, who might Philadelphia consider?
Here’s a quick rundown of the (many) possible outcomes.
COLE ANTHONY [G] north carolina
Anthony entered the season as a top-five recruit and a potential No. 1 pick. Injuries and inconsistency dragged him down at UNC, but the freshman point guard still has a talent for scoring — a talent the Sixers would do well to invest in.
At 6-foot-3, Anthony is a twitchy athlete with a smooth, confident jumper. He can get to his spots with ease, he’s a deadly pull-up threat, and the room for growth is tantalizing. He needs to grow as a decision-maker and as a finisher, but Anthony dropping to 21 is one of the best possible outcomes.
DESMOND BANE [G] tcu <<<PROFILE>>>
Bane has rapidly become a favorite among the Sixers fanbase, and for good reason. He’s a deadeye shooter, a sturdy defender, and a capable playmaker. He lacks explosive athleticism, but he’s strongly built and fittingly clever, using changes of pace to shake defenders and get to his spots.
TYRELL TERRY [G] stanford <<<PROFILE>>>
It’s hard to find a more seamless fit on paper. Terry is an elite shooter — check. Terry can create for others in the halfcourt — check. Terry has a high motor and he competes hard — check. He is the perfect Sixers pick in a lot of ways.
While Terry doesn’t have elite physical tools, his skill level and team fit are impossible to overlook, especially this late in the first round. He’s occupies the Landry Shamet vein of multi-faceted shooters who can work entirely off-ball, or veer into on-ball duties when necessary.
THEO MALEDON [G] asvel
A smooth, poised point guard who plays under the watchful eye of Tony Parker in France, Theo Maledon is certainly worth a look. He’s not a great athlete, but he’s long and fluid and knows how to play within himself. He can shoot the ball at a fair clip, and has more defensive versatility than other names on this list.
LEANDRO BOLMARO [F] barcelona
If the Sixers opt for a stash, then Bolmaro is probably the pick. He’s not much of a shooter — a glaring red flag, especially given Philadelphia’s current roster situation — but at 6-foot-7, Bolmaro has intriguing flashes of playmaking talent. He’s a good athlete and a versatile defender, making him a worthwhile investment long term.
ISAIAH JOE [G] arkansas <<<PROFILE>>>
There’s a good chance Joe ends up in a Sixers uniform, but it’s probably as a second-round pick. That said, enough smoke has been blown to at consider the possibility of Joe at 21. He’s possibly the most prolific shooter in the draft, and on that alone merits consideration.
R.J. HAMPTON [G] new zealand
A tumultuous season in the Australian league damaged Hampton’s draft stock considerably. That said, there’s only a slight chance he’s available when Philadelphia is on the clock. A plus athlete with strong instincts as a scorer, Hampton does have appeal in a comboguard role.
TYRESE MAXEY [G] kentucky
I’m skeptical of Maxey falling to the Sixers at 21, but under such strange circumstances, just about anything could happen. Maxey struggled as a shooter in his one season at Kentucky, but he’s a hard-nosed defender, a clutch shot-maker, and is generally described as a winner. He makes winning plays, and Philadelphia could use more of them.
JOSH GREEN [F] arizona
The Sixers probably have interests elsewhere in the first round, but Green would be a solid value at 21. He’s one of the draft’s best athletes, he’s a capable spot-up shooter, and he’s one of the most intriguing defenders on the board. Add in a high basketball I.Q., and there’s a lot to like.
JADEN MCDANIELS [F] washington
With a fairly wide range of possible outcomes, Jaden McDaniels could be long gone by the time Philadelphia picks at 21. Or, he could be in his [virtual] seat well after the Sixers have picked. Either way, he’d certainly be a contentious choice for Philadelphia. He’s probably not much of a contributor in year one, but at 6-foot-9, McDaniels’ upside as a go-to scorer on the wing is desirable.
MALACHI FLYNN [G] san diego state
A diminutive but talented lead guard, Flynn has received a lot of first-round buzz lately. He makes a lot of sense for Philadelphia — a heady pick-and-roll playmaker with deep range on his 3-point shot. He could contribute right away in the second unit.
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With the 34th and 36th picks, the Philadelphia 76ers select…
Again, no guarantee these picks stay in Philadelphia. Also, at this stage in the draft, the possibilities are too boundless to compress into a single page of text. Any number of prospects could tickle the Sixers’ fancy.
Here’s a shortlist of players the Sixers should strongly consider when making these picks.
XAVIER TILLMAN SR. [C] michigan state
If the Sixers plan to move on from Al Horford in the near future, the backup center position becomes an immediate area of need. Norvel Pelle is fun — don’t get me wrong — but he’s not good. In Tillman, the Sixers would have a ready-made NBA defender who can do all the little things offensively. A tough, high-I.Q. big is a luxury Philadelphia has too often lacked behind Embiid in years past.
NICO MANNION [G] arizona <<<PROFILE>>>
Mannion would be tremendous value this late in the draft. Once a top-10 recruit, Mannion struggled to overcome his athletic limitations at Arizona. Even so, he’s one of the sharpest playmakers on the board, and he’s a good enough shooter to fit next to Philadelphia’s core pieces.
TRE JONES [G] duke
A tenacious on-ball defender and a mostly mistake-free playmaker, Jones has a very solid foundation as a prospect. He doesn’t shoot terribly well, but he’s good enough to inspire confidence in his 3-point stroke long term. His intangibles are bound to charm NBA front offices, and Philadelphia has been known to like charming defenders (see: Thybulle, Matisse).
JAHMI’US RAMSEY [G] texas tech
Ramsey’s stock has been slipping of late, and he could fall into Philadelphia’s lap in the 30s. He’s deeply flawed, but Ramsey has a knack for taking and making difficult shots. He’s a confident scorer, and the natural talent could easily sway the Sixers’ brass, even if he needs to grow as a decision-maker.
PAYTON PRITCHARD [G] oregon
Pritchard was a borderline cocky, intensely watchable college star. He’s a gamer, unafraid to take big shots and comfortable taking on tough assignments defensively (though he might run into more problems in the NBA than he did in college). Pritchard can dribble, space the floor, and put up points. Philadelphia needs such a player.
ROBERT WOODARD II [F] mississippi state
A physical specimen for sure. Woodard developed as a player last season, but he’s still a low-volume shooter with significant holes in his offensive repertoire. His appeal lies in elite athleticism, length, and a promising trajectory on the defensive end.
DEVON DOTSON [G] kansas
The Sixers should have no qualms about loading up on guard talent in this draft. Dotson is more of a scorer than a shooter, but he’s a turbo-charged athlete who has no issue getting into the teeth of the defense and making things happen. He potentially fits the spark-plug scoring role Philadelphia unsuccessfully tried to fill last season.
JALEN SMITH [C] maryland
Essentially a 3-and-D big, Smith is an instant draw because of his ability to stretch the defense on one end, then anchor it on the other. While Smith needs to get stronger and improve his defense in space, long arms and quality instincts are a good starting point. Any center who can comfortably pop to the 3-point line has the potential for a long shelf life in the NBA.
CASSIUS WINSTON [G] michigan state <<<PROFILE>>>
A proven winner at the college level and an extremely likable human, it’s hard to see Winston slipping too far into the second round. He’s a 3-point bomber, a competitive (if limited) defender, and a measured playmaker who doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.
JORDAN NWORA [F] louisville
The NBA loves 3-and-D wings. At 6-foot-7, Nwora has been a prolific shooter at Louisville, and he was one of the ACC’s better offensive players last season. He’s a spot-up threat and a potentially versatile defender — more than enough to draw looks from Philadelphia.
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With the 49th and 58th picks, the Philadelphia 76ers select…
Who! Knows!?
Again… a lot of optionality, and lot of different possibilities. Some prospects mentioned on the previous slide could tumble to the 40s, or even the 50s. Likewise, some of these prospects may find themselves in the 30s mix. This talent in this draft is evenly distributed to a remarkable degree.
Here are some names to watch in Philadelphia.
KILLIAN TILLIE [F] gonzaga <<<PROFILE>>>
Tillie is possibly the steal of the draft. Most mocks have him in the 40s or 50s, but he’s firmly in my top-30. Injuries are a major concern, but if Tillie can stay on the floor, his mix of shooting, basketball I.Q., and mobility at 6-foot-10 is a great source of confidence. He can help a team win games.
TY-SHON ALEXANDER [G] creighton
Another 3-and-D guard to toss into the mix. Alexander is a strong value pick late in the second round, and he happens to check a lot of boxes for Philadelphia. He can shoot, he’s a plus defender at 6-foot-4, and his point guard skills — while need in need of some workshopping — would fit nicely in the Sixers’ barren wasteland of a backcourt.
YAM MADAR [G] hapoel tel aviv
Madar is a potential draft-and-stash candidate who has drawn comparisons to Sixers legend T.J. McConnell. He’s a tough, grind-it-out point guard who makes crisp decisions with the basketball and wears his heart on his sleeve. Late in the second round, what more can you ask for?
ABDOULAYE N’DOYE [G] cholet basket
Still rough around the edges at 22, it’s fair to wonder whether N’doye will ever put the pieces together. As a stash candidate who is both 6-foot-7 and a potentially competent ball-handler, the Sixers could do worse than to invest in his physical tools.
GRANT RILLER [G] college of charleston
One of the top scorers in college basketball, Riller is no stranger to the points column of the stat sheet. He’s a high-volume shooter who can drill 3s from well beyond NBA range, but his small stature and lack of experience against high-level competition are areas of concern.
SAM MERRILL [G] utah state
He has more years under his belt than the average rookie — 24 of them, in fact — but Merrill fits the mold of a savvy upperclassman who could scrap his way to a role. He’s above-average from deep and he’s a smart, measured playmaker. He’s worth a look for a contender like Philadelphia.
NATE HINTON [G] houston
Hinter averaged almost nine rebounds per game last season. He’s 6-foot-5. Not many prospects work harder than Hinton, and he’s a good enough 3-point shooter to justify the investment from Philadelphia. In a 3-and-D league, he has a chance.
KALEB WESSON [C] ohio state
If Philadelphia decides to target frontcourt help, Wesson stands out in a unique light. He’s problematic on defense — he has reportedly shed weight, but he’s still slow-footed by NBA standards — but Wesson’s ability to stretch the floor and score efficiently at the rim could earn him a role.
NICK RICHARDS [C] kentucky
It took Richards — a former five-star recruit — a few seasons to find his bearings at Kentucky. After a strong junior year, he’s firmly on the second-round radar due to his upside as a rim protector and lob-catcher.
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Rumors
The Sixers’ NBA Draft strategy has been kept under wraps so far, but like last season, there’s always a chance we know something before it becomes official. The Celtics sure did. This page is dedicated to any and every rumor will relevance to the Philadelphia 76ers.
- REPORT: Sixers “intended to select [Isaiah Joe]” prior to Daryl Morey’s arrival (via Keith Pompey)
There’s a lot of smoke surrounding Isaiah Joe and the Sixers. Maybe there’s fire. While Joe is more commonly mocked in the second round (No. 34 or No. 36) than the first round, a Joe selection at 21 wouldn’t be earth-shattering. He’s one of the best shooters in the draft.
- REPORT: Cole Anthony has had contact with Sixers (via Adam Zagoria)
Prospects generally talk to a lot of teams — especially when the board is so wide open. But Anthony is hovering right in Philadelphia’s range, and he could very well be the pick on Wednesday night. The son of former NBAer Greg Anthony could wear “New Philadelphia” black in 2021.
- REPORT: Nico Mannion has had contact with Sixers (via Keith Pompey)
It’s no surprise to see Mannion on the Sixers’ radar. He’s a former five-star recruit at a position of need, and his talent likely outstrips his projected landing spot. There won’t be many better options in the 30s if that’s where the Italian ends up.
- REPORT: Desmond Bane, Tyrell Terry have spoken to Sixers (via Kyle Neubeck)
Again, speaking with teams and being a team’s preferred pick are not the same. Both Bane and Terry figure to be in Philadelphia’s range at 21, and both have considerable upside as shooters and secondary playmakers — exactly the archetype the Sixers need filled. Bane even specified Vince Rozman, the Sixers’ Vice President of Scouting, as someone he spoke with.
- REPORT: Tyrell Terry’s agent has spoken to Daryl Morey, Elton Brand (via Keith Pompey)
This is the first report of a player having direct correspondence (or, technically, indirect via his agent) with Daryl Morey, the Sixers’ new head honcho. A near-perfect basketball fit, Terry is certainly a name to watch at 21.
- RUMOR: Isaiah Joe has a promise from the Sixers at 21 or 34 (via Jonathan Wasserman)
It’s remarkable how bad the Sixers are at keeping their intentions in-house. Last year, a promise was very clearly issued to Matisse Thybulle, and the Celtics were able to milk extra picks from Philadelphia as a result. Joe is not a prospect of Thybulle’s caliber, but we will see if Philadelphia is forced to maneuver around their blatant intention to select him.
Last updated: 4:10 PM, Nov. 17
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Content worth reading
We have covered the 2020 NBA Draft ad nauseam since, well, the end of the 2019 NBA Draft. This is a weird and exciting class, complete with tragic flaws and scintillating upside. Lots of boom-or-bust potential, and lots of worthwhile debates.
Here’s a syllabus of the best NBA Draft content here on the site.
3 prospects to trade up for in 2020 NBA Draft (Samkelo Jiyane)
The Sixers will have plenty of viable options at 21. If a specific prospect catches their eye, however, a move up could be worth it. After all, Philadelphia does have four second-round picks at its disposal, at last year’s trade up has paid dividends so far. Daryl Morey is not one to play it safe.
5 shooters to consider with 21st pick (Christopher Kline)
Surprise, surprise! The Sixers need shooting. What better way to add young, affordable shooters than through the NBA Draft. This year’s rookie class is particularly heavy on guards, and a lot of those guards can stroke it from deep. Philadelphia will have a hard time finding prospects who don’t fit.
2020 pre-lottery roundtable mock draft (TSS Contributors)
Obviously, this was written before the final draft order was established. Even so, all of the prospect analysis still carries weight, and some of the selections may still prove prescient. A collaboration between multiple contributors, this could pair nicely with our podcast version on the next slide.
Top 5 international prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft (Matt Plesco)
There’s an unusually high concentration of international prospects in the first-round mix — indicative, perhaps, of the increasingly global trajectory of NBA basketball. Two projected top-five picks — LaMelo Ball and Deni Avdija — played professionally outside the U.S.
Sixers shouldn’t ignore big men in 2020 NBA Draft (Christopher Kline)
Essentially my pitch for Aleksej Pokusevski and Killian Tillie, two skilled 7-footers who deserve consideration, even if they don’t fill readily apparent holes on the roster. Tillie projects as a late second-round pick, while Pokusevski has only a small chance of slipping to Philadelphia at 21.
3 under-the-radar prospects to watch (Christopher Kline)
Three prospects who, even now, should get looks from Philadelphia. If not at No. 21, then early in the second round. Again, my campaign for Pokusevski — the ultimate wild card in a draft of wild cards — grows silently stronger.
3 prospects who fit the Elton Brand mold (Christopher Kline)
Well, Elton Brand is no longer in charge. He has, however, been working on the Sixers’ eventual draft-day decision for longer than Morey. Given his relative newness to the organization, and the fact all his coworkers have been around longer, Morey could still defer to the likes of Brand when the time comes to make a pick on Wednesday.
Top 5 prospects not from major conferences (Matt Plesco)
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the meat and potatoes of NCAA basketball during the season. When it comes to evaluating future NBA players, however, some of the best prospects play outside the spotlight of Power Five conferences. Here’s a good look at the best players who probably weren’t on your TV screen every weekend.
Sixers history: Previous 21st picks (Lucas Johnson)
The Sixers have held the 21st pick five times before. How did they pan out? Here’s a rundown of the Sixers’ previous successes and failures at 21, with a sixth addition to the list expected to come Wednesday night.
Evolution of our 2020 BIG BOARD…
- 2020 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0
- 2020 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0
- 2020 NBA Draft Big Board 3.0
- 2020 NBA Draft Big Board 4.0
Evolution of our 2020 MOCK DRAFT…
- 2020 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
- 2020 NBA Mock Draft 2.0
- 2020 NBA Mock Draft 3.0
- 2020 NBA Mock Draft 4.0
- 2020 NBA Mock Draft 5.0
- 2020 NBA Mock Draft 6.0
- 2020 NBA Mock Draft 7.0
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The Sixer Sense Podcast presents…
A wide range of topics have been covered on The Sixer Sense Podcast this year. From quarantine uncertainty, to the Sixers’ postseason futility, to the plethora of trade possibilities this offseason, we have had plenty to talk about.
We have also — on some episodes — ventured into draft talk. Here’s some good listening material if you’re looking to spend a couple hours listening to the soothing sounds of draft buzz.
ROUNDTABLE MOCK DRAFT 1.0 (Ep. 32)
Several contributors joined forces for this roundtable mock draft, and while this was recorded before the lottery — and therefore the draft order is outdated — there’s still plenty to gleam from our conversation. We break down 60 prospects, and sift through a variety of team needs.
THE DECADE IN PICKS (Ep. 22)
In this episode, we discuss prospect rankings, the Sixers’ draft needs, and Philadelphia’s last decade of first-round picks. It’s always beneficial to use the past as context for the future. This podcast aims to do so.
SPECIAL GUEST DEREK BODNER (Ep. 46)
Amid a sprawling conversation with the ever-knowledgable Derek Bodner, we touched briefly on potential Sixer prospects. Not much, but placed in context of a rapidly changing Sixers timeline, it could still prove worth a listen — even if it was recorded in pre-Morey times.
NBA DRAFT MEGA-POD (Ep. 50)
Includes a full first-round mock draft, a sprawling discussion about potential Sixers picks, and a ranking of the top-five prospects in the upcoming rookie class. Plus James Harden talk, as a treat.
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Expect even more Sixers NBA Draft content between now and Wednesday. Also, check back for continuous updates of the mock draft and the rumors list.