Philadelphia 76ers: Imagining a core of Fultz, Simmons and Embiid

According to multiple reports, the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to trade up in the 2017 NBA in order to obtain the coveted No. 1 overall pick.

A lineup of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons AND Markelle Fultz?

This is now close to becoming a reality following the new revelation that the Philadelphia 76ers are in talks with the Boston Celtics to trade up and obtain the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

According to ESPN‘s Zach Lowe and Marc Stein, the Sixers and Celtics are discussing a deal that would see the Sixers send a selection of draft picks, including this year’s No. 3 overall selection, to the Celtics in return for the No.1 pick.

The Vertical‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reports the deal is far enough long that Fultz and the 76ers are trying to schedule a workout.

The general feeling for the Sixers wanting to rise up the draft pecking order is their desire to obtain  University of Washington guard, Markelle Fultz. Widely considered the best prospect among an extremely strong draft class, Fultz would team up Embiid and Simmons in forming an imposing trio for the Sixers build around for the next decade.

Speaking on ESPN’s SC6, Lowe echoed that the deal was as good as done:

"“I would say right now it looks very likely to happen. I mean, other outlets reported that the Sixers are reviewing Fultz’s medical stuff, and you never know what that medical stuff is going to turn up.“The terms are essentially agreed to at this point – I’d be really surprised if it fell apart. Right now, it’s strictly picks — Boston gets No. 3 and one future first (round pick).“The Sixers have two of the best future picks in the whole league, if not the two best, which is the Lakers’ unprotected next year, and the Kings’ unprotected in 2019. And both those teams could be very bad in those years, so those are great picks.”"

Although a point guard in college, Fultz’s total package would ensure a seamless fit alongside Simmons, the untried point guard who missed his entire rookie campaign due to a foot injury.

So while the deal appears a foregone conclusion, just who the Sixers decide to pick isn’t as certain.

ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith, speaking on SportsCenter, detailed that he feels the Sixers may have another target in their sights with the No. 1 pick:

"“I’m hearing Josh Jackson out of Kansas. Everybody you talk to says that he has the most upside of any of these potential draft prospects scheduled to be selected in the first round. Even though Fultz averaged 23 per game, they won eight games, and there are question marks about him.“In the case of Josh Jackson, there’s questions about the company he keeps, there’s questions about how loquacious his mom can be and how impactful she can be. But that’s not something NBA teams haven’t had to deal with before.“In the end Josh Jackson is the attractive guy that I’m hearing they’re eyeing, but you’re also hearing about them eying Markelle Fultz as well.”"

Smith is well-versed within the Philadelphia sporting arena, having covered the Sixers in his previous role with the Philadelphia Inquirer for 15 years.

Furthermore, Lowe and Stein also reported that Sixers president of basketball operations, Bryan Colangelo, was in Sacramento in Friday to attend a private workout for Jackson. At 6’8″ with a 6’10” wingspan, Jackson is an incredible athlete who would offer a real point of difference for the Sixers.

Next: 76ers - 5 options for pick No. 3 in 2017 NBA Draft

So whether it’s Fultz, or Jackson, or another potential prospect, Sixers fans should eagerly awaiting the draft night coming up on June 22.