2021 NBA Mock Draft — 28. Miles McBride, Philadelphia 76ers
Do not be surprised if the Sixers trade this pick. That said, if it does stay in Philadelphia, then Miles McBride is a great selection. He is probably the most competitive defender in the draft, which is enough to justify a first-round grade. He’s only 6-foot-3, but has a 6-foot-9 wingspan and is a weighted blanket for opposing point guards.
If the Sixers end up trading Ben Simmons, then another elite point-of-attack defender could come in handy. Matisse Thybulle can cover a lot of ground, but last season’s defensive success was predicated on Simmons’ ability to stifle the perimeter while Joel Embiid protects the rim. If Simmons is traded for a more offensive-minded player, the Sixers will need to plug the holes somehow.
McBride is no scrub offensively, either. He’s a capable pull-up shooter out to the 3-point line, and a confident game manager. He’s a legitimate point guard who can share the floor with players like Tyrese Maxey and Seth Curry because of his stout defense. McBride has fan favorite (and coach’s favorite) written all over him.
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