Thursday, June 11, 2015

2015 Draft Preview: Philadelphia 76ers


2015-16 Depth Chart
PG: Tony Wroten/Isaiah Canaan
SG: Hollis Thompson/JaKarr Sampson
SF: Robert Covington/Jerami Grant
PF: Nerlens Noel/Furkan Aldemir
C: Joel Embiid

2015 Free Agents
SF Glenn Robinson III (RFA)
C Henry Sims (RFA)
F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
SG Jason Richardson
PF Thomas Robinson
PG Ish Smith

2015 Draft Picks
1-3
2-5(35) via Orlando
2-7(37) via Denver
2-17(47) via New Orleans
2-28(58) via Houston
2-30(60) via Golden State

Team Needs
With two foundational big men, Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel, to build around, Philadelphia's main needs are filling out the perimeter around them. When Dario Saric comes to the NBA, perhaps this season probably next, Philadelpha will have their starting small forward as well. That leaves the backcourt as the biggest area in need of talent. Hollis Thompson, Jerami Grant, Robert Covington, and JaKarr Sampson are all quality depth on the wing with potential for more, but none fit into that traditional shooting guard mold. Point guard is a similar story, Tony Wroten and Isaiah Canaan can really fill it up, but fit better as bench options. Because none of Embiid, Noel, or Saric can really stretch the floor, shooting will be crucial from both backcourt spots. Center and power forward depth are areas of need.

Potential Fits
Assuming Karl Towns and Jahlil Okafor go 1-2, that leaves Philadelphia with three logical options: PG Emmanuel Mudiay, SG D'Angelo Russell of Ohio State, and Croatian wing Mario Hezonja. Mudiay fits best with Philadelphia proclivity towards rangy, athletic players but is the worst shooter of the bunch (though not terrible), while Russell is an excellent shooter, he doesn't necessarily fit their defensive profile. Hezonja is perhaps the most intruiging, he is a very good shooter and all around offensive player with potential to be a good defender too, though he has the most risk as well. In the end though, Philadelphia plays it so close to the vest that it is impossible to predict who they will pick, deciphering who makes the most sense is they best you can do. With their five second rounders, look for the Sixers to take chances on they highest upside players that fit into their frenetic defensive system as well as maybe a pure shooter or two.

Mock
3. D'Angelo Russell, SG, Ohio State
35. Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville
37. Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse
47. Arturas Gudaitis, C, Zalgiris
58. Chris Walker, F, Florida
60. Tyler Harvey, SG, Eastern Washington

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