NBA Draft 2021: Mock draft, big board, full Sixers guide

Sixers pre-draft workouts: Who has Philadelphia seen in-person?

Harrison Grimm of Liberty Ballers posted the following list of confirmed Sixers pre-draft workout participants.

A trained eye might say the Sixers are tipping their hand. Pretty much every name on the list is either a projected second-round pick or a potential undrafted free agent. The only names on here who could be justifiably picked at 28 are Josh Christopher (our No. 40 prospect), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (our No. 36 prospect), and Austin Reaves (our No. 42 prospect).

Off the bat, I have a much lower opinion of Christopher than some, who consider him more of a top-30 pick than a top-40 pick. If you buy Christopher’s jumper, and think he can become a consistent perimeter scorer on top of his springboard athleticism, then yes, you can take him confidently at 28. Robinson-Earl lacks upside, but he’s a positionally versatile forward who can shoot 3s and play his role. Reaves is a confident scorer who was the heart and soul of Oklahoma’s offense.

That said, most teams in the late first round are working out more players than that. All three of Christopher, Robinson-Earl, and Reaves could feasibly drop to 50, and none of them are favorites to get drafted in the top 30. That does not bode well for anyone hoping Philadelphia keeps its pick.

On the other hand, that does not mean a trade is guaranteed. The Sixers will have done homework on several prospects, regardless of workout status. Any good front office will prioritize game tape and background research over an empty-gym workout. If Philadelphia keeps the pick, do not think these names are the only possible names.

As for the 50th pick, the likes of Christopher, Robinson-Earl, and Reaves become much more exciting possibilities. If the Sixers wish to acquire a cheap backup for Joel Embiid, then names like Luka Garza (our No. 55 prospect) and Neemias Queta (our No. 46 prospect) are fitting solutions.