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2018 NBA Draft: The Sixers seem destined to get the Lakers’ pick

By Max Holm

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Lonzo Ball #2 sits on the bench in-between Jordan Clarkson #6 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Lonzo Ball #2 sits on the bench in-between Jordan Clarkson #6 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Going into the 2017-18 season, it was unclear who the Lakers’ first round pick would defer to for the 2018 NBA Draft. It’s looking likely to land with the Sixers.

When the Boston Celtics traded down in the 2017 NBA Draft, they were looking to the future. Along with the third overall pick they got from the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics pried away one of the Sixers’ two best assets. The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2018 pick would go to the Celtics if the Lakers finished between second and fifth in the lottery order.

For much of the first half of the season, the Lakers were hanging right near that 2-5 range. Not anymore. As of Feb. 12, the Lakers sit at 23-32. That’s good enough for the league’s 11th-worst record. It would take a miracle odds-wise for that pick to jump up into the Celtics range.

With Lonzo Ball likely to come back to injury and the addition of Isaiah Thomas, it doesn’t look as though the Celtics have much of a chance at the pick conveying. The Sixers getting the Lakers pick means the Celtics would have the Sacramento Kings’ 2019 unprotected first round pick. With the Kings holding the league’s worst record, Boston is still in good shape.

What this means for the Sixers

Now for the Sixers, getting the 11th pick would be a bit of a disappointment. While it holds more value than the player they traded it for, Michael Carter-Williams, with such a monster draft class, they would’ve had higher hopes.

The dream scenario for the Sixers would be for the Lakers to take a tumble down the standings over the last few months and end up at sixth or seventh. There is a near-consensus forming at the top of the draft and there are seven players that seem to fit that group. A Lakers slide would allow the Sixers to stay in that range.

Between Luka Doncic, DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, Mohamed Bamba, Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Michael Porter Jr., there’s a lot to like picking in the top-seven. But even if Philadelphia isn’t picking in that grouping, you have some prospects that are in that conversation. Duke’s Wendell Carter and Villanova’s Mikal Bridges are the first names that come to mind.

Good prospects left

Bridges would be an absolute slam dunk and be as good of a pick as almost any other prospect. That’s true simply because of fit. Bridges is the perfect 3-and-D wing to plug into lineups with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. As an elite defender who has improved mightily offensively, he’s really the best-case scenario if the Sixers are picking well outside the top five or so picks.

Wendell Carter, on the other hand, is more about best player available. The Duke big man has been incredible this season and is  often overshadowed by Bagley. Carter can face up, defend the rim, pass really well and shoot a bit too.

With Richaun Holmes likely coming off the books either this summer or the next, the Sixers need a cheap backup for Embiid. Carter would not be relied upon right away, but he could be a good option, even if it might make most sense for the Sixers to trade him before his rookie contract ends. That’s because in theory the Sixers would already be paying second contracts for Embiid, Simmons, Robert Covington and Markelle Fultz. They wouldn’t have enough room to pay Carter without an absurd tax bill.

Next: 2017-18 Week 18 NBA Power Rankings

With less than 30 games left, the Sixers will have their eyes on the Lakers’ wins and losses. Philadelphia fans should be getting acquainted with the top prospects in that 8-12 range, though you never know what could happen on draft lottery night.

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