NBA Draft 2020: Sixers guide, mock draft, everything you need to know
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.