Hoops Habit
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: Draft Focus On Karl-Anthony Towns, Jahlil Okafor, D’Angelo Russell

ByJake Hyman|
Feb 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) walks to the bench during a time out against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Duke defeated Syracuse 80-72. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) walks to the bench during a time out against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Duke defeated Syracuse 80-72. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers are reported to take the consensus top player out of Karl-Anthony Towns, Jahlil Okafor and D’Angelo Russell per Marc Berman of the New York Post.

"According to a league source, the Sixers, who pick third still have a firm Big 3 of Karl-Anthony Towns, Russell and Okafor and won’t let any of the trio slip to Phil Jackson. Despite their young, marquee depth up front, the Sixers would take Okafor even if it’s to collect an asset to trade later."

ALSO ON HOOPSHABIT: The Greatest Player in Every Franchise’s History

Sound familiar? The team employed the same mindset last year drafting an injured Joel Embiid. Embiid, Wiggins and Parker made up the “Big Three” in the 2014 NBA Draft and Philadelphia never let the enigmatic and risk-filled talent drop to No. 4.

Dante Exum, Noah Vonleh and Julius Randle all became reasonable options when news broke of Embiid’s injury. However, the organization stuck with their board and selected to wait out Embiid’s foot injury.

The 2015 NBA Draft seemingly has a “Tier One” consisting of Towns, Okafor, Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay. While recent reports have noted Philadelphia’s interest in Latvian phenom Kritaps Porzingis at his workout in L.A., their draft intentions are drastically more clear. Porzingis likely won’t be the pick if the report holds value.

Their board also shows what the organization viewed in terms of key traits displayed by the prospects. Russell’s versatile skill set and highly productive freshman season trumped Mudiay’s elite athleticism and physical tools at the point.

Mar 4, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard D’Angelo Russell (0) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Ohio State defeated Penn State 77-67. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard D’Angelo Russell (0) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Ohio State defeated Penn State 77-67. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Both Mario Hezonja and Porzingis, despite flashing some enticing tools overseas, couldn’t overtake both Russell or Okafor on the Sixers board at No. 3.

Russell, if the Lakers end up taking their future franchise center, gives the Sixers an elite point guard prospect who fills a copious amount of holes on their roster.

His blend of unmatchable craftiness at the point and efficient marksmanship from deep plays well with developing offensive big men in Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel.

He also would be a favorable option for Phil Jackson and the Knicks to run their triangle offense. The Knicks currently have Mudiay, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein and Porzingis predominately mocked to them with the No. 4 overall pick.

Originally holding the second best odds to land the No. 1 overall pick, Okafor was a likely candidate to play in the Big Apple.

Philadelphia is seemingly taking their ideal prospects off the board. The Lakers choosing Russell over Okafor would be a long shot, according to recent reports of Tinseltown’s infatuation with the interior weapon, but it could have Okafor seeking a more desirable destination.

These NBA stars might switch teams sooner rather than later
These NBA stars might switch teams sooner rather than later

All U Can Heat

  • NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Joel Embiid Trade ideas Heat should consider over Dame LillardSir Charles In Charge
  • Grading the 5 worst James Harden trades on the internetThe Sixer Sense
  • NBA rumors: Klay to Bahamas, Lack of Lillard suitors explained, Sixers good vibesFanSided
  • 76ers guard Patrick Beverley’s latest remarks could enrage Celtics fansThe Sixer Sense
  • Sixers Podcast: Ben Simmons return to Philly + Tobias Harris tradesThe Sixer Sense

    • His fit with both Embiid and Noel in the paint isn’t the most appealing projection for management as they’ll have an arduous time formulating effective lineups with the current Sixers’ on the block. If Okafor remains with the organization following the draft, he’ll provide another multi-faceted offensive big man with a deep arsenal similar to Embiid’s.

    It’s safe to assume GM Sam Hinkie won’t deal Okafor to the division rival Knicks, but an enticing offer from a team outside the conference may have the Duke product heading out of the 215. Mudiay, Hezonja and Porzingis all should still be on the Sixers’ radar as trade down options with high upside.

    Packages filled with future assets could have a player selected in the top three playing for another organization for the second time in two offseasons.

    However, this report could be just another clouded smokescreen with no substance. We saw this countless times heading into the draft last year. One of the quietest organizations where information is seldom leaked, June 25 will answer every question as to the direction the Sixers are headed.

    Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Of The 1980s

    More from Hoops Habit