Another year and another 2nd round exit for the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite Joel Embiid putting up another MVP level season, immense improvement by second year player Tyrese Maxey and a trade for James Harden; Philadelphia fell short of making the conference finals for the 4th year in a row.
Of the four straight playoff years, this season could possibly be the most forgivable for falling short. Ben Simmons dominated the headlines early on, as the team was without one of the premier defenders in basketball. After trading him away to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden, Philadelphia dealt with adjusting to Hardens play style and a terribly depleted bench. Add in a Joel Embiid broken orbital bone, and it was a near impossible mountain to climb.
But there is hope. Tobias Harris has become tradeable, Tyrese Maxey showed all-star potential, the trio of Embiid/Harden/Maxey should draw some ring chasing veterans, and they were able to keep their 23rd overall selection after Brooklyn deferred the pick until next season. While they have some flexibility on the open market, that 23rd pick the Sixers still own will have to be a player that can come in and help this squad on day one.
The Sixers primary need is evident; long, athletic wings that can space the floor and allow Harden to distribute the rock and let Joel feast in the low block. Luckily for Darryl Morey and Co. those are not in short supply in this draft. Today we’re going to take a look at a few players who could be available at pick No.23.
Keeping the Pick
Philadelphia needs impact players off the bench. While any player drafted in the first round will have to fight against Doc Rivers for development minutes, which is an uphill battle considering he is the head coach, these three would be the best fit for the 76ers.
Tari Eason | SF/PF LSU | 6’8 220 lbs
Tari Eason had a breakout year in his sophomore campaign for the LSU Tigers. His athleticism was on display nightly being able to guard 1-4 admirably. On the offensive end he uses his large frame and burst to attack the basket and finish around the rim. While he isn’t a knockdown shooter at this point, he did convert over 35% of his attempts from deep so there is certainly room to grow and develop into a legitimate threat from deep.
His length, defensive versatility and respectable range would be a welcomed addition to a Sixers team that begs for athleticism. If he can show progress on his proficiency and a willingness to shoot from deep, he could see rotational minutes almost immediately.
Kendall Brown | SF Baylor | 6-8 205 lbs
If the Sixers are looking for a high upside athletic freak of nature they can pretty much bank on Kendall Brown. What Brown lacks in polish he makes up for with burst and aggression, he found ways to cut to the rim and get clean looks down low as evidence by him shooting 58% from the field. While his PPG stats and percentage from deep (34%) don’t jump off the board, the tools are there to be an effective scorer.
Brown has great length and profiles as a guy who could turn into quite the defender at the NBA level if he puts the work in. He has quick hands and is an opportunistic pick pocket. His size also gives him some versatility as to who he can guard. He will need to gain some weight to be able to get physical with SF/PF in the pro’s, but that shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Christian Braun | SG/SF Kansas | 6’6 215 lbs
If the Sixers want a proven winner, with a well rounded offensive game, a high motor and a sweet stroke from deep; Braun should be on their radar. The Junior Jayhawk helped lead his team to a national title a few months ago, and was a huge contributor to their success on both ends of the floor.
He can score at all three levels, using his length and quickness to slash and attack the basket; while hitting nearly 75% of his attempts from the foul line. He shot almost 50% from the field and has shown the ability to get his own shot off in iso. He also hit just under 40% of his shots from beyond the arc this last season.
His defense is nothing to write home about but with length and hustle, some good coaching can make him respectable enough to not be a liability. Despite his lack of refinement on defense, his natural scoring ability and history as a winner should carry him enough to hear his name called in the first round.
The idea that the Sixers can acquire either Kendall Brown or Tari Eason at 23 means they are going to need some help above them. Both forwards are going to be impact players in the NBA and have the abilities the Sixers, along with every other team in the league, is looking for in NBA wing. Philadelphia will have an easier time acquiring Christian Braun who seems to be slipping on draft boards. They can also go into a high upside direction with a guard like Kennedy Chandler or Blake Wesley, it is safe to say if they decide to keep the pick they will have a variety of high upside impact options. *An updated MIP Ranking is coming out next week with Brown ranked 19th on the current list, while Braun has moved to 31*
Danny Rehabs in Florida
Danny Green has been an elite locker room and on court performer for the Sixers over recent years. Even though his inconsistencies continually make him trend on Twitter, he has a championship mentality and helped provide a boost when needed in the playoffs. Sadly, Green tore both his ACL and LCL during the second round of the playoffs this year. With one additional year on the books the Sixers have a chance to move him for a steadier guard off the bench. This works both ways. Ross is in the final year of his contact and as a clear back up to Franz Wagner if Orlando drafts Jabari Smith, Ross will be a buyout candidate by mid year. Orlando eats Green’s money grabs two future second round picks for their trouble (which they can package in a future deal) and Philly gets a bit of scoring stability off the bench.
Bring him Home
Our second trade is a bit of a retool by the Suns leading to a path where the Sixers can address two of the biggest needs in one year rentals. Dario Saric and Torrey Craig were on the outside, Saric because of his ACL injury, when it came to the Suns playoff rotation. As two expiring deals the Suns cash in on adding pick #23 and might be able to get even more draft capital from Philadelphia if they ask. Thybulle and Milton would come in and still stabilize the bench for Phoenix. Cam Johnson would start playing the second unit four, Thybulle would slot behind Bridges as the back up three and Milton would be a low cost third unit guard that relieves Payne and Shamet. Saric coming off his ACL and Craig are both bench stabilizers that will address Philly’s need for a wing and stretch big off the bench.