As the NBA draft approaches tomorrow, the Sixers need help at almost all positions. Joel Embiid is the only notable player who has not entered free agency or expected a new contract.
With that in mind, the Sixers have some serious roster building to do this offseason. They cannot neglect the draft as a place to do so.
Unfortunately, this draft is not expected to bring a whole lot of talent to the league. While most people recognize this fact, it would be foolish to think that no worthy talent will find their way onto a team.
Hopefully, the Sixers did their due diligence in scouting to find a good player who could fit their team.
The Sixers own the 16th and the 41st pick this year.
It remains to be seen whether they will keep the picks, but they should strongly consider keeping them to improve the team.
Biggest Needs
Recently, the Sixers have used Paul Reed as their primary backup center. He had some promising games, but he just can’t handle the responsibility of taking Embiid’s place when he’s injured. At this point, it’s a guarantee that Embiid will miss some amount of time throughout the NBA season.
Getting a worthy backup could make a big difference in the regular and post-season.
In addition to a backup center, the Sixers need any kind of rebounder. Whether it’s from a big or a guard, they need someone that finds a loose ball.
Arguably, rebounding cost them the series against the Knicks in the first round. Rebounding guards like Josh Hart can make a difference.
Lastly, they could use a true point guard. Maxey can play point, but he’s much better suited at the 2. Having a distributor that can handle the ball well and run the offense could benefit the Sixers tremendously – especially with Embiid off the court.
Unfortunately, that kind of player usually has to spend a few years in the league instead of coming straight from the draft.
First Round Options
C Zach Edey, Purdue
Most people who follow college basketball even know Zach Edey a little bit. The tw0-time AP Player of the Year award winner is a physically imposing monster. At 7’4″, 300 pounds, Edey would already win the size advantage on most bigs in the NBA. He averaged 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game last year at Purdue. He dominated in pretty much every game he played. Even though the Sixers have a HOF center, if Edey drops to pick 16, the Sixers would be making a mistake passing up on him. He can back Embiid and take the starting job when Embiid misses time. This would be a huge upgrade over Paul Reed.
PG Devin Carter, Providence
Devin Carter is projected to go a few picks before the Sixers, he could drop or they could make a move to get him. He’s a 6’3″ guard who averaged 19 points and 8.7 rebounds last year.
He can handle the ball and hustle for rebounds. He’s probably the best rebounding guard in the draft who can also score at the rim and shoot the 3.
G Jared Mccain, Duke
Mccain had high expectations when entering college. He didn’t live up to those expectations as much to start the year, but later on, he stepped up his game. He can score in a variety of ways, including shooting off the dribble and the catch. He could become a solid scorer for the Sixers off the bench. He also averaged 5 rebounds per game.
He’s labeled as a Point Guard but averaged less than two assists per game. He doesn’t turn the ball over much, but he could benefit from better ball distribution.
Second Round Options
SF Harrison Ingram, UNC
Ingram is a 6’7″ wing that can rebound very well. He averaged almost 9 rebounds a game last season, making him one of the best rebounding wings in college.
He also averaged over 12 points while shooting a respectable 38.5% from 3-point range. Promisingly, his best offensive games came against other tournament teams.
SF/PF Bobi Klintman, Australia
Bobi Klintman is a Swedish player who currently plays for the Cairn Taipans in Australia. At 6’9″, he’s surprisingly only 212 pounds, which makes him more fit to play the SF position until he puts on some weight. He averaged 9.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.8 steals last season in Australia.
He shot 36% from 3 and an impressive 79.8% from the FT line (a good indicator for good shooters). At only 21 years old with professional experience, Klintman could become a solid role player in the NBA.
PHOTO: Getty Images
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