Without a slam dunk at No. 3, the Philadelphia 76ers might want to explore trading back in the 2017 NBA Draft and picking up two lottery picks.
While the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers were licking their chops after the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery, the Philadelphia 76ers had mixed feelings. Yes, the picks swapped. Sure, they moved up from fifth to third.
However, Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball seem to be the two best fits for their team. Both guys are projected by most to go No. 1 and No. 2 on June 22. That leaves Philadelphia in a precarious position.
They could go for upside with Josh Jackson or Jayson Tatum, but the shooting is scary. They could gamble on Dennis Smith Jr, hoping his issues were mostly down to N.C. State. They could also reach for guys who seem like nice fits, such as Malik Monk and Jonathan Isaac. No matter these scenarios, there’s no clear cut favorite for the third pick.
In such a deep draft, it’s unlikely the Sixers don’t come away with at least a solid role player. Jackson could be a home run, but there’s a lot of risk. With Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid on the verge of finally being on the court together, this is a big draft for the Sixers. That’s why they may want to think about trading down.
Rather than going over all the different scenarios and what it would take to get there, one trade is worth exploring above them all. Yes, that should be trading for the top pick, but that would either be unlikely or cost too much. In terms of more realistic options, the Sixers should look to swap their third pick and other parts for the Kings’ two lottery picks. Should they get that done, Philadelphia can add to their love of Sacramento.
GIMME THAT PICK! pic.twitter.com/ckAnAv4FQQ
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 17, 2017
What would it cost?
Even if the Kings are in love with someone at No. 3, it’s going to take more than just the third overall pick (and yes, I know they’re still the Kings). That being said, something like the third pick, one of Philly’s high second-rounders, and a role player might be enough to get it done.
Let the Kings pick between the following and receive the fifth and 10th overall picks in return:
The Kings might go after an additional second-rounder, maybe the 50th overall pick. Anything within this ball park without giving up a better young piece like Furkan Korkmaz or Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is worth it. If Philly can get No. 5 and No. 10, and trade Jahlil Okafor, you make that trade.
Who to take at No. 5
It’s without little doubt that Fultz, Ball and Jackson would be off the board. That means Philly could still take some targets from the third spot like Smith Jr. and Isaac. But it could also move back and still have a guy worthy of a top-three selection at No. 5.
Should Philadelphia not want to take more of a gamble, they’d be in a prime position to take Malik Monk. Monk is arguably the best fit for Philadelphia. Even though he’d likely have to guard point guards, and likely won’t be a great defender, his shooting would be so valuable spotting up around Simmons and Embiid. Monk got used to nailing contested jumpers at Kentucky, but in Philadelphia he’d get plenty of open looks.
Additionally, Monk has legitimate upside with secondary ball handling and playmaking. He could one day develop into a better playmaker, but for now he’d be great fit next to Simmons as someone who can create a little bit. Monk would be a reach at No. 3, so moving back makes a lot of sense if they’re infatuated with him.
Whether they opt for Monk or still take an upside guy like Isaac, Philadelphia has plenty of options with this first pick of two.
Who to take at No. 10
At No. 10, there are far less options to consider. If someone like Smith Jr. falls, they’re in a position to swoop up an exceptional talent, like the Heat did with Justise Winslow in 2015. If none of the very best fall, there are still two great options for the Sixers. Those would be Donovan Mitchell from Louisville and Frank Ntilikina from France.
Both of these guys can guard both point guards and shooting guards, which is a huge plus for the Sixers. The value in that is if the Sixers took Monk or Smith Jr., these guys could take the tougher guard every night and still provide some passing. Mitchell and Ntilikina have enormous wingspans to guard the perimeter, and the former has exceptional foot speed that the latter lacks.
Guards playing with Simmons will also have to be able to shoot. Ntilikina is an exceptional shooter, whereas Mitchell is capable but very streaky. That makes Ntilikina the better fit, even though Mitchell could be as good a defender, and perhaps better. Mitchell also is currently a better pick and roll player, and passer than Ntilikina, though the Frenchman is still just 18.
Ntilikina has a bit more upside being younger and a better shooter, but both men present as strong fits with Simmons and Embiid.
Conclusion
The Sixers are looking to add pieces to complement Simmons and Embiid. By moving from No. 3 to No. 5 and No. 10, Philadelphia is in two prime spots to add the types of guards they’ve been missing. A combination of two out of Smith Jr., Monk, Ntilikina and Mitchell would be too good to be true. Even Isaac and one of the guards would be a great outcome.
Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition
Sure, the Sixers could hit a home run at No. 3, but in a draft this deep and a lack of guards on their roster, two picks may be better than one.