The NBA Draft is less than a week away (Nov. 18) and the Sixers pick 21st overall—along with 34, 36, 49, 58.
“SIXERS: 5 DRAFT PROSPECTS WHO WOULD MAKE SENSE AT 21 OVERALL”
While there will be strong options for Morey at 21—along with the option of trading the pick—there are a few prospects who would be worth considering in a trade-up scenario if they were were to slip out of the lottery.
Though it may be difficult to move up more than three or four picks, if one of the following four players were to fall to the 16-18 range Morey would be wise to inquire about a package to move up and nab his man.
1. Tyrell Terry, Guard, Stanford (Fr.)
Ht: 6’2” Wt: 175lbs Age: 19
The skinny:
Undersized bomber who’s equally prolific shooting coming around screens, relocating and spotting up off-ball, or pulling up off the dribble. Instant spacing with a dose of playmaking and scoring around the rim. However, lack of size makes him a real minus defensively.
Strengths:
Elite shooting off-ball (48% on catch-and-shoot threes), capable pull-up game, and proficient getting to and finishing around the rim. Can make plays in the P&R in small doses, and has an overall strong feel for the game. Despite a lack of size and strength he works hard on defense, plays feisty at the POA, and can chase around screens.
Weaknesses:
Small, lacking strength. Will be a minus on defense and an outright siv at times. He’ll need to be hidden and placed in the right scheme—not unlike a lot of elite shooters—and his potential isn’t what it should be because of this. While he’ll understandably draw comps to Trae Young or Curry because of play style and skillset, he’s nowhere near as skilled as either player. Buddy Heild/Jason Terry is the much better comparison.
Fit with the Sixers:
He’s instant shooting who can fill both the Redick role and operate as a supplemental playmaker in P&R; plus Embiid’s rim protection puts the Sixers in good position to mask his defensive concerns—the fit is obvious and that’s why Terry was the most frequently mocked player here. For those same reasons his stock has risen confidently into the teens (everyone needs shooting) but if he somehow slips out of the lottery he’s a prime trade-up candidate.
2. Aaron Nesmith, Wing, Vanderbilt (So.)
Ht: 6’6” Wing: 6’10” Wt: 215lbs Age: 20
The skinny:
ELITE catch-and-shoot prospect. Fully developed, highly instinctive off-ball mover with a fluid, fundamentally sound jump shot. Good size/length, plus athlete, and a high release makes his skillset highly translatable to the NBA. Still developing defender, but good potential.
Strengths:
Elite shooter—51.2% on 8+ threes per game. Fully-projectable, high-volume, high-efficiency off-ball player. High IQ reading screens and feeling the flow of a defense. Absolute “can’t miss” for his role on offense. A long, strong, athletic body leaves room for him to grow in a lot of areas. Plays with a smart energy.
Weaknesses:
Might not be more than a high-end role player. Doesn’t have the ability to create for himself or others at the pro level (right now), weak handles, and middling ability to finish around the rim. Has room to grow in these areas, but right now doesn’t show enough skill to contribute in these ways in the NBA.
Fit with the Sixers:
You could make a real argument that Nesmith is the most developed off-ball shooter in the history of the draft, and I won’t insult you by explaining why that’s a fit here. They just don’t make shooters as polished as him at his age, and every team in the league will be in on him because of this. What separates him from a similarly elite shooter like Terry is his potential on defense. Comp: athletic Duncan Robinson.
3. Tyrese Maxey, Guard, Kentucky (Fr.)
Ht: 6’3” Wing: 6’6” Wt: 200lbs Age: 19
The skinny:
Bucket-getter whose average athleticism limits his upside, but is a reliable jumper away from a complete offensive package. Classic two-guard with a little combo appeal. Excellent on-ball defender, engaged off-ball—defense keeps his floor high, 20+ PPG potential provides a nice ceiling.
Strengths:
Can score from all over the floor, and is a high-lever finisher around the rim. Is comfortable shooting off the dribble or off the catch, though needs to become more consistent in this regard. Has some pick-and-roll appeal. Defense is impressive for his age—will defend 1-3 at a strong level; engaged off-ball.
Weaknesses:
Without elite playmaking or shooting he’s somewhat less ideal for a guard in today’s NBA. Pair that with somewhat average athletic traits and it’s not a surprise he’s valued the way he is.
Fit with the Sixers:
This team needs a bucket-getter and someone who can help out a little in the pick-and-roll, and Maxey has that skillset. While I’m not sure Maxey will have the immediate offensive impact we’d hope in year one (though he could) I believe he’s ready to play strong defense from the jump.
4. Saddiq Bey, Wing, Villanova (So.)
Ht: 6’8” Wing: 6’10” Wt: 215lbs Age: 21
The skinny:
Good athlete, consummate 3-and-D prospect with clear room to add a scoring/playmaking package with improved handle. Versatile defender, makes an impact on and off-ball. High-floor/above-average ceiling.
Strengths:
Ideal blend of size/length/athleticism. Can defend a number of positions at a high level, paired with a high IQ as an off-ball defender. Has the intensity to match his elite defensive tools, leaving little doubt to his ability to be a plus defender in the NBA. Strong spot-up shooter, quick release, also comfortable shooting off some movement. A real threat in transition. Flashed potential for a bigger offensive package.
Weaknesses:
Not much. May only be average athletically at the pro level (in terms of twitch and top-end explosion), and doesn’t quite have the potential you’d want in the lottery—nonetheless he’s a sure thing in many ways. Shot may take time to be reliable at a high-volume, but a lot of this is a little knit-picky.
Fit with the Sixers:
3-and-D is the name of the game around the league, and certainly for Daryl Morey and the Sixers. They passed on the similarly skilled Mikal Bridges (Nova) two seasons ago, and this would be an opportunity to correct that wrong if he slips to the late teens (trade-up territory).