Philadelphia 76ers: 5 Best No. 3 overall selections since inception of NBA Draft Lottery
By Simon Smith
With the Philadelphia 76ers holding the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, here’s a look at the best No. 3 selections since the inception of the NBA Draft Lottery.
With the 2017 NBA Draft widely regarded as featuring the strongest draft class in over a decade, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a very envious position as holders of the No. 3 overall selection. But despite the lofty position they have for June 22, the Sixers will be fully aware of the uncertainties that drafting from any position in the draft can bring.
No one will be more aware than the man in charge, Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo. His first draft night in charge of the Sixers saw him select Ben Simmons with the No. 1 overall pick. Unfortunately for all involved, Simmons was sidelined for all of last season with a foot injury, and hence his value has yet to be determined.
Colangelo’s prior experience with the No. 1 overall selection came when he was in charge of running the Toronto Raptors. On this occasion, he chose the soon-to-be highly-underwhelming Andrea Bargnani.
The Sixers have fresh memories of their own recent No. 3 overall selections. In 2014, they selected Joel Embiid, who didn’t debut until this season with recurring foot issues. And in 2015, they chose Jahlil Okafor, who regressed noticeably this season after a strong rookie campaign.
Therefore, the Sixers themselves don’t have to look far to know of the uncertainties of the draft. While Embiid impressed mightily this season, he has played just 31 games over three seasons. So although they may not admit it publicly, Colangelo will be fully aware of the pressures facing himself and the Sixers’ front office.
With the Sixers seemingly set at multiple positions moving forward with Embiid, Simmons and Dario Saric, the wing spots seem the most logical targets at this stage. Players such as Jayson Tatum of Duke and Josh Jackson of Kansas are seen as the favorites to be taken when the Sixers have their selection, according to Draft Express.
With that in mind, let’s take a look back in recent history to ascertain the best No. 3 overall selection results since the inception of the NBA Draft Lottery in 1985.