Philadelphia 76ers: 5 options for pick No. 3 in 2017 NBA Draft
By Max Holm
3. Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State
Malik Monk and Josh Jackson are likely the Sixers’ two best options in terms of value of the No. 3 pick for fit, but the team shouldn’t sleep on Dennis Smith Jr. The role of Simmons as a point guard next season should rule out non-shooting point guards like De’Aaron Fox or wings who need the ball, like Jayson Tatum. Smith Jr. certainly needs the ball, but offers a far better ability to play off the ball than Fox or Tatum.
His numbers on two- and three-point jumpers aren’t great, but he has a much more projectable shot. Shooting just under 36 percent from three isn’t outstanding, but that also came with terrible spacing at NC State. Smith Jr. would get much cleaner looks taking advantage of double teams of Simmons and Embiid. His fit with Philadelphia hinges on whether they believe in that jumper.
The main negative in taking Smith Jr. is that he’ll likely always be a minus on defense. Philadelphia may feel that they can minimize those deficiencies thanks to defenders like Embiid and Covington, but that flaw — combined with the lack of leadership and poor body language last season — may cause him to slide. It’s up to the Sixers’ staff to determine if that was because of his situation or his demeanor. Simmons might have some good insight into that.
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If that checks out, does Philadelphia want to invest into a total minus on defense and someone that they can’t maximize because of Simmons running the point? These are the questions they have to ask themselves.
One common misconception about the Sixers’ situation, though, is that a ball-dominant point guard can’t play with Simmons. Just look over at Simmons’ big brother in LeBron James, who plays with Kyrie Irving. Yes, Irving has superior handles and shooting, but Smith Jr. isn’t a slouch when it comes to those skills.
Great teams always have multiple ball handlers and passers on the floor. The most recent NBA champions – Cleveland and Golden State – play this way. If the Sixers believe Smith Jr. and Simmons can coexist, they could invest in a point guard who could become as dynamic as Markelle Fultz offensively.