NBA Mock Draft Roundup: Evaluating the 7 best prospects for the 76ers

2. Kel’el Ware, Indiana (Bleacher Report, Jonathan Wasserman)

Kel’el Ware is a tantalizing prospect. Coming out of high school he was a five-star recruit ranked eighth in his class. The ranking made sense, he was a seven shooter with perimeter skillset. His professional outlook took a substantial hit after playing a limited role as a freshman at Oregon. He started in only four of his 35 games, averaging 15.8 minutes a contest. He transferred from Oregon to Indiana where he revitalized his outlook. At Indiana, he averaged 15.9 points while collecting 9.9 rebounds shooting 42.5% from three on a low volume of only 1.3 attempts per game. 

Ware followed that up with an impressive showing at the combine. He measured 7‘0” with a 7‘5” wingspan while achieving a maximal vertical leap of 36”. Watching him play, Ware presents as an offensive oriented front court player. His natural position is center but his shooting ability and athleticism allow him to play down as a forward. Ware’s length is apparent and effortlessly plays above the rim. He demonstrates the ability to finish with either hand but his decision making and shot selection is questionable. His self-creation ability is an adventure. This explains his negative assist to turnover ratio and lower than expected field goal percentage for a center at 58.6%.

Defensively, Ware’s defensive awareness and effort was concerning. He was late on rotations, out of position for rebounds, and over reliant on his length to contest shots. His foot speed and agility appeared slow while switching onto the perimeter decreasing his effectiveness during screen coverage. Athletic ability suggests perimeter defense should not be as problematic as it was. Ware is another young prospect who just turned 20. His ceiling is obvious, but confidence reaching his peak is in question. Is he worth the gamble considering where the 76ers currently stand?