Patrick Causey, on Twitter @PhillySportsJD
UPDATE: (6/13.15, 11:36 am): It looks like the report that D'Angelo Russell cancelled his interview and workout with the Philadelphia 76ers — which sent all of Philadelphia in a collective panic — was much ado about nothing.
Keith Pompey sent the Twitter world abuzz yesterday morning when he gave the report without any details or explanation. However, Pompey followed up that tweet with the following article in the Philadelphia Inquirer:
"D'Angelo Russell canceled this weekend's scheduled workout with the 76ers after getting "real sick," according to a source close to the former Ohio State standout. Another source said don’t rule out the franchise securing a workout with Russell in the near future."
While it is still possible Russell goes to the Lakers at two, we should not read anything into this cancellation. Russell was sick, and presumably did not want that limiting his workout for the Sixers. If anything, that is a good sign, showing that he wants to make sure that he makes a good impression for Sam Hinkie and company.
Well this can't be good news. D'Angelo Russell, the smooth shooting, elite passing, point guard from Ohio State just reportedly cancelled his interview and workout with the Philadelphia 76ers. Per Keith Pompey:
D'Angelo Russell canceled this weekend's visit and workout for the #Sixers, according to multiple sources.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 12, 2015
If Russell had rescheduled the interview and workout, this would be a non-issue.
But cancelling the workout less than two weeks before the draft? The most likely explanation is that the Lakers or Timberwolves have told Russell that they are planning on drafting him.
Russell worked out for the Lakers on Monday. It is conceivable that he blew the Lakers brass away and they committed to drafting him. But that would contradict other reports that the Lakers are locked in to drafting Jahlil Okafor number two overall.
It is hard to tell fact from fiction before the draft. Teams and agents use smoke screens to try to manufacture as much leverage as possible.
It is understandable when teams do it. And sometimes makes sense for players as well. Karl Anthony-Towns is the presumptive number one pick, so it makes little sense for him to work out for the Sixers.
But Russell's draft stock ranges between 2 and 4, so it is a puzzling choice for him to make. He can only help improve his draft stock by being accessible to each of those teams in the top 4 picks. Refusing to workout with the Sixers might hurt him in the long run.
Unless, of course, he already knows he won't be around when they pick.
If Russell is gone, that leaves several intriguing prospects for the Sixers.
The most obvious, but probably least popular among the fans, would be for the Sixers to draft Duke big man Jahlil Okafor. Okafor is one of the most advanced offensive big men to enter the NBA in the last decade plus. He has elite foot work and a smooth repertoire of offensive moves. He would pair nicely with defensive specialist Nerlens Noel. But would be an awkward fit alongside Joel Embiid. However, there is no guarantee that Embiid can be healthy given his foot and back injuries. If Embiid stays healthy, the Sixers can trade one of their bigs. If he does not, Okafor can step in to fill the hole Embiid creates.
Emmanuel Mudiay is another likely possibility. While Mudiay is not as prolific of a scorer or passer as Russell, he grades out as a better athlete and defender. He also can get to the rack at will, and has drawn comparisons to John Wall; so that should hardly be considered a consolation prize. Sam Hinkie is also the only GM in the league to have seen Mudiay play in China, so the Sixers obviously have interest.
Finally, don't count out Mario Hezonja. The 6'8, 201 pound Croatian is an elite athlete that can get to the hole and has plus-range from deep. While there are concerns about Russell's defensive prowess, and Mudiay's ability to develop a consistent jump shot, Hezonja grades out as arguably the best two-way player in this draft. The Sixers have emphasized that they want stars who excel on both sides of the court, so they could prefer Hezonja over Russell and Mudiay anyway. Plus, Hezonja would fill a huge hole for the Sixers on the wing.
We are still almost two weeks away from the draft, so anything can happen between now and then. But the Sixers might have just lost a potential target already.
