NBA Mock Draft Roundup: Evaluating the 7 best prospects for the 76ers
7. Devin Carter, Providence (ESPN, Jonathan Giovany and Jeremy Woo)
Devin Carter is a slightly undersized versatile guard who is a capable contributor on both sides of the ball. He is an older prospect entering the draft at age 22, but his game appears easily translatable to the next level. Undersized, measuring at 6'2”, he easily overcomes his height with explosiveness tying the lead for the highest maximal vertical at 42” at this year's combine. His athleticism is apparent as he ranks at the top of the leaderboard for other numerous categories.
Combine that athleticism with a 6’9” wingspan and you have a player who can easily play up against larger opponents. His game goes beyond measurements and athletic testing, as his on court production demonstrated a two-way player who can create for himself and generate defensive stats at a high rate.
Beyond his stats, Carter demonstrates fundamental footwork on both ends of the floor creating attacking angles off the dribble and cutting off driving lanes of his opponents. He is more of a scorer than a facilitator and best suited as an off-ball secondary or tertiary option. He shot 37.7% from three suggesting floor spacing ability at the next level. His defensive playmaking and offensive skill set should fit well with the 76ers next to Maxey and Embiid.
6. Tidjane Salaun, France (CBS, Kyle Boone)
Tidjane Salaun was not present at the NBA combine, but that did not stop him from moving up draft boards. He had a productive game for his Professional team, Cholet, during a quarterfinals match up in the France LNB scoring 19 points, collecting eight rebounds, and dishing three assists. Salaun is a young prospect who doesn’t turn 19 until August. In addition to his youth, he possesses the prototypical height for a wing standing at 6‘9”.
Saluan earned a sizable role for his team ranking fifth in minutes played, averaging 22.7 minutes a game this past season. His stats are not eye-popping, shooting 37.7% from the field but more than half of his attempts come from three where he shoots a below average but reasonable 32.9%. Salaun has difficulty creating his own shot but utilizes his three point ability to attract aggressive closeouts where he can penetrate on direct drives. His first step quickness is apparent and overall physique is imposing, but overly dependent on finesse versus power near the rim.
Offensively, Salaun presents as an off-ball option threatening the defense as a floor spacer and slasher. Defensively, Salaun’s youth shows itself. He is a poor on-ball defender due to deficient anticipation and defensive footwork. His defensive deficiency is not for a lack of effort or engagement, but rather due to poor feel and technique. His frame and athleticism suggest vast improvements are possible, but time is needed for him to develop. Instant on-court production should not be expected, so early contributions during this upcoming season would be unrealistic. With the championship window closing, can the 76ers afford to be patient?