Sixers Draft: 3 center prospects to consider with 23rd pick

David Roddy, Colorado State

Let’s get a little more creative. Most mock drafts will tell you David Roddy is a power forward. But it’s 2022, and it’s time we think a little bit more realistically about what positions players can actually play at the next level. Most modern day “power forwards” are just wings in disguise. At 6-foot-6 and 256 pounds, Roddy simply does not have the lateral quickness to guard most “fours” — at least those who are shooting 3s and attacking off the dribble. He does, however, have the girth and muscle to combat most fives in the post.

Whoever drafts Roddy will no doubt make conditioning a priority. But even if he drops 20-30 pounds in the next year, Roddy is shaped like a center. He has the skill, however, of a wing. He would be a fascinating addition to the Sixers’ offense, even if there are myriad concerns about his capacity for NBA-level defense.

He is best positioned as a small-ball five defensively, but Roddy is not slow. Not like you would expect from someone with his frame. He’s excellent at facing up and attacking off the dribble, with pull-up jumpers, floaters, and a deep back of tricks in the post all at his disposal. He’s also a very unselfish player, often looking to make the extra pass and turn his drives into points for teammates. That kind of clever, Swiss Army Knife skill set could look interesting in the Sixers’ frontcourt.

Roddy hit over 46 percent of his 3s last season, but he will need to prove that shot on a much higher volume in the NBA. If he can nail the 3-point stroke while finding some level of utility on defense, then Roddy is more than skilled enough to carve out a long and fruitful NBA career. He would pair interestingly with Paul Reed in the frontcourt, that’s all I’ll say.