NBA draft tonight.

The Sixers select 21st overall and then have four selections in the second round, presenting us a list that looks like this:

  • #21 – a pick first traded to Philly in the Ersan Ilyasova/Jerami Grant deal, it later went to Orlando in the trade-up for Anzejs Pasecniks, but was later returned to Philadelphia when the Sixers moved Markelle Fultz in the Jonathan Simmons swap
  • #34 – this came to Philly from Atlanta for Bruno Fernando’s draft rights
  • #36 – remember the Willy Hernangomez swap? this pick via the Knicks
  • #39 – a natural selection
  • #58 – this from Orlando, via the Lakers, when the Sixers traded James Ennis

 

Right, so here’s the plan:

Assuming we’re not in for some blockbuster James Harden trade, just keep it simple and take the best shooter available at #21. The worst case scenario is that the guy doesn’t pan out (no duh). The best case scenario is that you stumble into another cost-controlled Landry Shamet.

And that’s really what the Sixers need more than anything. They need cap flexibility and shooting, because right now you’re up against it with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Al Horford, and Tobias Harris eating up 80% of the cap space on a team that was middle of the pack in effective field goal (53.4) and true shooting percentage (56.6) last season. They were 14th in offensive rating, down from the numbers they posted in 2017 and 2018.

Beyond that, you need ball handling and shot creation, which might be 1B to the shooting 1A. The good thing is that there are some decent prospects floating around in that range, guys who can shoot the ball and create and and address both of those needs.

Among the targets might be Tyrell Terry, a 6’1″ freshman guard out of Stanford. He’s 19 years old with a lot of upside, and this is what Sam Vecenie at The Athletic wrote about him recently:

“Has a case as the best shooter in this draft class, and would certainly be in my top-five. Just absolutely elite off the catch. Hit at an absurd 75.0 effective field goal percentage. That means he made 50 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s this year, which is a ridiculous number. He did so with NBA range, as well. Does so off of movement with ease. Can stop on a dime and run around off-ball screens to pop and make shots. Also can roll around ball-screens to fire. Off the dribble, good at firing off of one or two-dribble pull-ups. Great at the relocation pull-up 3 after a heavy closeout. Everything Terry does with his jumper is so smooth and easy.”

Another possible target is Desmond Bane, the 6’5″ senior shooting guard coming out of TCU.

From David Ray at NBADraft.net:

“Has something very valuable in today’s NBA landscape, and that is high level shooting. As a senior, Bane nailed 42% of his three point attempts, and posted a 3 point percentage over 40% in 3 full NCAA seasons. Bane has excellent range on his jumper, and great in spot up situations as well as shooting off the dribble. He’d be an immediate asset to an NBA team spacing the floor at the two spot. At 6’6” Bane possesses a chiseled frame, and high level strength that will be able to handle the rigors of an NBA season, and larger opponents. His 16.6 points as a senior were primarily earned from the perimeter, but Desmond does have the ability to get into the lane and is very good at using his powerful body to take impact and create distance from opposing shot blockers.”

Cole Anthony is another intriguing player, though he’s a point guard and less of a shooter. He’s the North Carolina freshman who was dragged a bit by injuries and inconsistency and has slid down the draft board.

From NBA Draft Room:

“Whether it’s creating space for his shot, creating for teammates or scoring in the lane he makes the game look easy, like he’s playing one step ahead of everyone else on the court. He’s got all of the intangibles you want in a point guard including super high BBIQ, leadership qualities, play-making ability and toughness.

He’s also a surprisingly bouncy athlete who can put defenders on a poster. And he’s a great ball handler who can drive and finish with either hand. His quickness with the dribble allows him to get into the lane and draw a second defender and he’s a slick passer who knows when to deliver the ball. He excels at operating in half court sets and he’s also a threat in transition, showing great vision and pass-ahead ability.”

Here are a few more options at #21, or in the early second round:

  • Isaiah Joe: Arkansas guard, there have been rumors linking him to the Sixers in the first or second round (2nd is more likely)
  • Theo Maledon: 19 year old French point guard playing in Europe
  • Tyrese Maxey and RJ Hampton: skilled guards who might come off the board just before Philly picks
  • Tre Jones: Duke’s sophomore point guard, shot 36.1% from three
  • Malachi Flynn: junior out of San Diego State, he’s 6’2″ and will pull up from just about anywhere on the floor

 

It’s kind of a strange draft. Not a lot of top end talent, which is why you see variation in a lot of these mocks based on the perceived needs of various teams. There’s also a clumpy group of smaller guards falling into that 15-30 range, which should work out nicely for the Sixers.

Or, they just trade the 21st pick and continue Daryl Morey’s tradition of not using first rounders at all. Maybe they put together some blockbuster deal for… James Harden?

Can’t wait to find out.