The Sixers, led by new general manager Sam Hinkie, made several bold moves in the 2013 NBA Draft. To start, they dealt All-Star guard Jrue Holiday to the New Orleans Pelicans for the rights to Nerlens Noel, who many people originally projected to be the top pick in the draft. In addition to Noel, the Sixers also acquired the Pelicans' first-round pick in next year’s draft.
Later in the draft, the Sixers acquired the rights to the Washington Wizards’ 2nd round pick, Arsalan Kazemi. Kazemi is a 6’7” power forward who played 3 seasons at Rice University before transferring to the University of Oregon for his senior season. He is originally from Iran, and he has played for the Iranian Men's National Team. He is touted as a strong rebounder, having averaged over 10 rebounds per game throughout his college career. He is also noted to be a good passer with great court vision, and also a player who hustles on every play.
Unfortunately, scouts feel that he is undersized for a power forward and, as a result, he may have trouble defending opponents out on the wing. He also has limited shooting range, as he is not known to score much from outside the 12 to 15 foot range. He will also probably have to bulk up a bit in order to compete with the power forwards that he will be matched up against every night in the NBA.
In spite of his lack of offensive skills, I feel it was a good move by the Sixers to draft Kazemi. The Sixers are in desperate need for big man who can get rebounds on the offensive and defensive glass, and the coaches will be able to help him develop his offensive game. When Nerlens Noel is healthy and able to join the team, Kazemi and Noel could potentially be an intimidating force in the paint. Ideally, the duo would force teams to shoot from outside, and then their rebounding abilities would help the Sixers push the tempo of the game.
Kazemi is playing for the Sixers in the Orlando Summer league, and as he did in college, he is fighting for rebounds and loose balls on both ends of the court.
Keep an eye on Arsalan Kazemi this coming season, as the Sixers look to continue rebuilding in hopes of one day becoming a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
REFERENCES:
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/arsalan-kazemi
"Sixers Fall to Thunder in 3rd Summer League Game." http://www.sixerdelphia.com/
