Philadelphia 76ers: Three Centers To Avoid In The 2013 NBA Draft

The Philadelphia 76ers are in need of some help. The draft offers them the chance to bring in multiple players to immediately come in and try and turn around their fortunes sometime down the line. Despite the draft being labeled as weak, there are still many good players.

However, we won’t be focusing on them in this piece — for now we’re looking at three players, more specifically, centers — the Sixers shouldn’t be drafting. While a lot of mock drafts have wanted Philly to take a big man to replace the impending free agent Andrew Bynum, I hate the idea; especially the lumbering, low-ceiling centers that Philly are being linked with. Here are the three centers that the 76ers should be staying clear of.

Cody Zeller is ready to contribute on the NBA level right away, but his ceiling is limited (Photo Credit/msflaster/flickr.com)

Cody Zeller, Indiana

Cody Zeller was a good player in college and projects to be a good one coming into the pros. He can run the floor well and has pretty good athleticism for someone of his height. However, a lot of his game revolves around the post and I struggle to see him being able to get position close to the rim — what with his slender frame. His ceiling also seems low; I can’t ever seeing him being an All-Star player. Zeller could come in and provide energy, but I’d rather see a player with a higher upside — like Rudy Gobert — be taken.

Kelly Olynyk is a solid post threat, but his defensive capabilities mean he is a limited prospect.

(Flickr.com photo by SD Dirk)

Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga

Olynyk had a great third year at Gonzaga, leading them to being a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. He has a nice offensive game and is very skilled. However, I struggle to see a tremendous upside, nor do I see him making an impact defensively. He has 6’10” wingspan, meaning he won’t be an elite rim protector at the next level. 

Pretty soon Mason Plumlee will be warming up before his first NBA game. (photo credit: SportsAngle.com)

Mason Plumlee, Duke

Plumlee will be a very solid NBA contributor, much like the two previously mentioned players. However, the Sixers don’t need a player to come in and contribute straight away. Sure, it would be a boost, but it isn’t essential. Plumlee is already 23. His ceiling is not very high. General manager Sam Hinkie will be looking at assets with high trade value and high ceilings. Plumlee is a safe, boring pick.