Here's What You Need to Know about Your Newest Sixers
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jahlil Okafor, Pick #3
Who is he? He’s Jahlil Okafor, and he’s the Sixers’ third consecutive first-round selection that’s a big man who was once the consensus number one pick overall. He’s an elite down-low scorer, with low-post abilities that — according to last night’s ESPN broadcast — remind you of Kareem and Hakeem. He’s also got enormous hands.
Where is he from? He went to Duke, which you definitely have an opinion of. But he’s from Chicago. At Duke, he was the ACC Player of the Year, USBWA National Freshman of the Year, a National Champion, and a unanimous selection for the All-American first-team. He’s used to winning. He’ll come around.
What’s his impact? Okafor’s impact is immediate. Many called him the most NBA ready player in the draft. With or without a healthy Embiid, he should play and begin to put up numbers right away. Many will claim Sam Hinkie is kicking the can down the road by picking another big, but Okafor should (and will) contribute immediately.
Willy Hernangomez, Pick #35
Who is he? He’s Willy Hernangomez, and his name is fun to say. WHG, as I will be calling him, was actually mocked to the Sixers at this pick fairly frequently. Accoridng to the NBA’s prospect page, he’s a skiled low-post scorer with a high basketball IQ who loves the game. “20 years ago Willy Hernangomez would have been considered a blue chip prospect for the NBA,” the page continues. “He brings the skills you want in a low post scorer and understands the game like a point guard should. With the speed of the NBA right now it’s hard to imagine him finding real success here whereas the European game is designed for players like Hernangomez.”
Where is he from? He’s from Spain, and while on loan from Real Madrid, was playing alongside Kristaps Porzingis on Casajol Sevilla in the ACB League. WHG led the team in field goal attempts, while dropping 10.7 points per game and grabbing six rebounds per game.
What’s his impact? None. The Sixers acquired the rights to the New York Knicks two future second round picks in exchange for the rights to the 35th pick. Maybe the Knicks just want to make Porzingis happy.
Richaun Holmes, Pick #37
Who is he? Holmes is a 6’10” power forward. He’s got little-to-no post-game, which the Sixers are likely fine with, but can do lots of other things. He can rebound, he can block shots, he can leap, and he hits for high percentages (.563 FG, .419 3PT, .712 FT). He’s the only player in Bowling Green history to accumulate 1,000 points, 600 rebounds and 200 blocks in a career. And he did it in only three years.
Where is he from? Oh, he went to Bowling Green. He spent his freshman year playing junior college basketball, put up incredible numbers at Bowling Green, and became their all-time blocks leader (244).
What’s his impact? Seeing how Hinkie and Brown used their second-round picks last year, you’d have to imagine Holmes makes the team and sees some real minutes. And those minutes can only go up if he’s hitting his shots and playing good defense.
Arturas Gudaitis, Pick #47
Who is he? He’s a human person who looks like he’s 14. One guy in the bar I watched the second round in was very excited about this pick, but he was very, very drunk. Seemed to pronounce his name right, though.
Where is he from? He’s from Lithuania. I have some Lithuanian heritage. I feel nothing for him.
What’s his impact? He’s beefy, he’s got long arms, and he’s a “solid rim protector.” You can color me surprised if he ever sees an NBA court.
J.P. Tokoto, Pick #58
Who is he? He’s NOT A BIG! NOT A BIG! NOT A BIG! At a time in the NBA draft when you’re just looking for someone who is one of three things — shooter/defender/athlete — they got an athlete. J.P. Tokoto is a 6’6″ wing who can get well above the rim. His college coach said he has the potential to be a lockdown defender if he puts his mind to it.
Where is he from? He played his college ball at North Carolina, where he put up fairly modest numbers. Though, in his final 16 games, he had 73 assists to 27 turnovers, an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.7-1
What’s his impact? Freak athlete with lockdown defense potential? Sounds a lot like another, currently initialed, former Sixer.
Luka Mitrovic, Pick #60
Who is he? Luka Mitrovic comes into the NBA already as the most Bond-villain sounding guy in the league (sorry Mirza Teletovic). He’s one of the older prospects in the draft at 22, is a 6’9″ power forward, and was elected team captain of his team at 21. So he’s got the maturity thing going for him.
Where is he from? Novi Sad, Serbia. NOVI. SAD. SERBIA. SAD.
What’s his impact? I’ll let the prospect page take this one:
It is a bit difficult to see Mitrovic wanting to come over at this time on a non-guaranteed contract with an NBA team where he would probably get limited minutes instead of staying put and being the leader of his current team. If he were to make the jump he would be an interesting backup and could help a contending team with his leadership skills and possibly some scoring/rebounding off the bench.
None of that sounds like the Sixers. I hope Mitrovic enjoys Novi Sad.
