Philadelphia 76ers: Who Should They Be Targeting in the NBA Draft?
A team that is going through the ‘rebuilding process’ must acquire talent either two ways: via free agency or building through the draft. The Philadelphia 76ers are certainly a team in need of a rebuild. After the trade for Andrew Bynum backfiring and leaving the Sixers very short-handed in the 2012-13 NBA season, the onus is on Philadelphia to try and turn it around and acquire some talent via both free agency and the draft. The first of these events is the draft, so let’s look at some of the players that the Sixers–with their one first-round pick and two second-round picks–should be targeting in the 2013 NBA Draft.
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Optimistic/Unrealistic Picks
These are the picks that probably won’t fall to the Sixers, who will likely draft around the No. 11 spot, but if they do–Philly should jump at them.
Alex Len — Center (first round)
The big man from Maryland is a genuine two-way player with a body that NBA scouts will be sure to love. He managed to gain a lot of muscle in his sophomore year and this really helped him in the low post–especially when gaining position. Len’s footwork is solid, but could do with some work. He’s certainly more polished offensively than consensus No. 1 pick Nerlens Noel. If Len drops to the Sixers, they should grab him with both hands. That is, of course, providing they don’t harbor plans of re-signing Andrew Bynum or signing Al Jefferson.
Victor Oladipo is going to be a candidate for Rookie Of The Year.
(Photo credit: Indiana Public Media, Flickr.com)
Victor Oladipo — Shooting Guard/Small Forward (first round)
The former Indiana Hoosier is one of the most NBA-ready players to come out of college. Oladipo is almost a poor man’s Andre Iguodala–great on-ball defender, competent slasher, good finisher–but may struggle creating his own shot in the half-court set. Oladipo is a very safe pick and would combine with Jrue Holiday to create a formidable backcourt–especially on the defensive end. I wouldn’t be surprised if Philly traded up to get someone like Oladipo.
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More realistic/likely picks
These are the players that will likely be on the board when the Sixers are drafting. So providing they don’t trade up or down, this is who the Philadelphia 76ers could be drafting.
Rudy Gobert — Forward/Center (first round)
Gobert is an exciting prospect: standing at more than seven feet with a 7’9” wingspan is awfully enticing. On the defensive end, the long-bodied Frenchman can block and alter shots, while he can finish alley-oops and dunks on the other end. With the right coach–thankfully Doug Collins is out of the door–Gobert could become a really good player.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — Shooting Guard (first round)
Caldwell-Pope is a player that will fly up draft boards soon. His terrific athleticism and smooth jump shot will impress NBA scouts. If the Sixers want to take a wing player without trading up or down, Caldwell-Pope could be their man.
Giannis Adetokunbo — Small Forward (first round)
Perhaps the most intriguing player in the draft, the Greek sensation Adetokunbo would be a project for the Sixers–but one that could pay off. He stands at 6’9” and has tremendous handles and a great passing ability. He can get around defenders with his quickness and ball-handling ability. There are similarities between him and Scottie Pippen, although these are perhaps a little premature. I’d say Adetokunbo is in the top five in the draft in terms of ceiling and the Sixers should be willing to take this risk. If I had my way, the Sixers would trade down and try and get two first-round picks–taking both Gobert and Adetokunbo.
Tim Hardaway Jr. — Shooting Guard (second round)
Tim Hardaway Jr. would be a good pickup in the second round for any team. He can catch fire in an instant and can play above the rim. He was instrumental in the Wolverines’ run to the NCAA championship game, which proves he knows how to win and isn’t afraid of the big moments.
Seth Curry — Guard (second round)
Should Curry still be on the board the last time the Sixers draft, they should take the risk; purely on the basis of his last name. The Curry family can shoot. Even if it’s for a quarter, Curry could win you a game–and there’s not many players like that in the NBA. Who knows, he could provide a good spot-up option off the bench.
Vander Blue — Guard (second round)
A very good slasher, Vander Blue has a body that screams NBA. If he falls to the second round, expect the Sixers to take him. He’s athletic, a good finisher at the rim and his jump shot will improve over time. However, if he impresses in the workouts, expect him to go in the first round.