3 NBA Draft prospects who would really help the 76ers

Jordan Walsh

Jordan Walsh has carved out his own spotlight on an extremely talented Arkansas team. The freshman hasn’t lit up the box score offensively, but he’s one of the top defensive wings in college basketball — a 6-foot-7 stopper who never gives his man an inch.

Entering the season as a McDonald’s All-American, Walsh naturally had high expectations — which were elevated even more by his talented teammates, like projected top-10 picks Nick Smith Jr. and Anthony Black. But Walsh has committed himself to a supporting role, making selfless decisions in the flow of the offense and elevating the Razorbacks’ defense with his intensity.

Shooting will be Walsh’s swing skill at the next level. He’s only shooting 28.6 percent from deep at Arkansas, and that’s with the shorter college line. That said, shooting progression is not uncommon in today’s NBA. Everyone puts in the work, and Walsh has all the intangibles of a potentially impactful role player.

The Sixers could always use more quality defenders on the wing, especially if Harden and Maxey are cemented as the backcourt of the next 4-5 years. Walsh’s defensive acumen and determination could be enough to catch the attention of Doc Rivers.