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Philadelphia 76ers First Pick More than Just ‘Best Player Available’

ByJake Hyman|
Mar 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (left) and center Joel Embiid (right) share a laugh during warm ups before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (left) and center Joel Embiid (right) share a laugh during warm ups before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

We still have no clue what GM Sam Hinkie and the Philadelphia 76ers will do with their No. 3 overall pick. We shouldn’t, we won’t, and the safe is locked that contains their intentions.

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Keith Pompey reported in May that the Sixers will likely go with the BPA approach, but that was speculation. Based on recent draft philosophy, the team rarely targets an immediate need over the highest player on their board.

But it’s so much more than getting the best player available at No. 3. It has to be for an organization who prides the draft as a source of acquiring talent. The pick has multiple factors that affect the Sixers both in the short term and long term.

They need to draft a point guard. It’s paramount, vital and necessary. The writing is on the wall:

For those unfamiliar with Twitter, @Dloading is D’Angelo Russell’s handle. The resounding favorite, the combo guard would be a welcomed addition to a roster devoid of any semblance of guard talent. Sorry Hollis, Ish and Isaiah, you’re not perennial starters for this organization.

The pick also ties into Hinkie’s rapport with the divided fan base. They’re calling for Russell. While the poll represents just a portion of the Sixers faithful, the Ohio State product is viewed as a popular choice with an aura few prospects possess.

The moxie exuded is reminiscent of superstars. Russell automatically assumes the fan favorite role wherever he lands in the draft. While the Sixers have that charismatic talent in Embiid, Russell is another potential superstar fans can get behind of.

While Mudiay doesn’t bring that swagger right away to an organization, he offers a skill set complimentary to Philly’s bigs down low.

The Prime Prep product will reportedly work out for the team June 15 and could be an option with the team’s first pick.

Russell, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, has reportedly canceled this weekend’s workout with the team.

Whether this is a serious issue in Russell’s willingness to join the organization or if he has been promised to be selected by either the Lakers or Timberwolves remains to be seen. The reasoning was due to an illness and not by choice. If he falls to No. 3 with the Sixers on the clock, he could be on top of their board.

The selection also factors in the growth of both Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel. After the Sixers traded Michael Carter-Williams to the Bucks at the trade deadline, Noel’s game flourished with the crafty Ish Smith running the point. Noel called Smith the first true point guard he’s played with.

Imagine the impact both Mudiay and Russell would have on the frontcourt as playmakers. Drafting a shooter like Mario Hezonja or a big man like Kristaps Porzingis decreases the synergy with both bigs.

Russell is one of the flashiest and adept passers regardless of position in this year’s class. The pick-and-roll tandems that could transpire with either Russell or Mudiay is a lethal combination for a inept offense.

The pick also factors in the lack of point guard options in the future. They could splurge on a point guard in free agency before the cap bloats in 2016, but Hinkie has said he prefers to find talent in the draft.

While it’s speculation to envision what the 2016 draft class will hold in terms of elite point guard talents, both Russell and Mudiay have ceilings that surpass guys like Kentucky’s Isaiah Briscoe or Duke’s Derryck Thornton.

While their big board is clouded, looking into future drafts has to be on the mind of Hinkie when he makes his first selection along with the growth of his talented frontcourt.

He can tie a plethora of factors together to progress the organization. With the No. 3 pick being a valuable commodity to the Sixers, it’s also one of the most vital to capitalize on.

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