Sixers Draft: 3 small forward prospects to consider with 23rd pick

Christian Braun, Kansas

A bouncy 6-foot-6 wing who players stellar defense, Christian Braun is firmly in the vein of players Philadelphia should take interest in. He’s an established upperclassman who should contribute right away at the next level. His 3-point shot projects well, he has ball skills, and he can play either wing spot.

Braun won’t do much self-creating in the NBA, at least not right away, but he’s a capable and selfless passer who moves without the basketball and stays involved offensively. His spot-up shooting is airtight, and he’s excellent at exploding off the catch and finishing at the rim in traffic.

He fits the 3-and-D mold Philadelphia presently needs filled. Braun’s defensive instincts are mighty impressive for a player his age. He could even take a page out of Matisse Thybulle’s book, as his defense shines brightest on crisp rotations and blown-up passing lanes. He flies around the court and is a beneficial agent of chaos on the defensive end.

Braun is also an excellent rebounder for his size, which is just an extension of his competitive fire. He checks a ton of boxes for Philadelphia and should be near the top of Daryl Morey’s list at 23, in my humble opinion. He’s well engineered to play off of Philly’s stars, while his springy athleticism suggests long-term upside.