Over the past couple of years, Philadelphia sports fans haven’t had too much to cheer about. The Eagles’ last postseason appearance was in 2013. The Flyers opened some eyes this year by tip-toeing into the playoffs, only to get bounced in the opening round. The Phillies, aside from their unprecedented success at the beginning of this year (which has already made a turn for the worse), haven’t been competitive since 2012.
Then there’s the Sixers. Three years of tanking, and it’s finally starting to look like there might have been a method to all the madness, as the Sixers will select first in this year’s draft.
Yes, having the first pick is certainly exciting when the franchise that owns that said first pick has won 47 games in the last three years combined (10 teams won at least that many games this year alone). However, there’s still a decision that needs to be made.
Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram.
It seems like the city is rather torn about this, but for me, the choice is an easy one.
Here’s how I think the first round will turn out.
- Sixers – Ben Simmons, F, LSU
The narrative on Ben Simmons is that he can’t shoot. In reality, he just chose not to shoot. The Aussie attempted just three 3-pointers (made one) during his lone year at LSU. All the Sixers fans who want Ingram will immediately jump to this for their first argument on why they’d rather have the lanky forward from Duke. Simmons’ shot is bound to improve with coaching and some extra time in the gym (think Kawaih Leonard and LeBron James, who were terrible shooters coming into the league). Ingram may be a better shooter at the moment, but Simmons is better in literally every other aspect of the game. And I’ll gladly take the latter.
- Lakers – Brandon Ingram, F Duke
Enough with the Kevin Durant comparisons. Just because they have similar body frames and play the same position doesn’t necessarily make them comparable. Durant was so much more polished coming out of Texas. That’s not a knock on Ingram, that’s just high praise for Durant. Ingram is still a helluva player, and has the potential to become one of the league’s elite scorers. But he doesn’t handle the ball all that impressively and he’s not a great rebounder – a trend that will likely continue until he adds some meat to his bones.
- Celtics – Dragan Bender, F, Israel
He’s easily the best international player in this class, and he has loads of potential. At just 18 years old, Bender has the tools to become a premier stretch-four who could create more space for Isaiah Thomas and Co. I don’t see the Celtics passing him up, but if they do, I can’t imagine he’d fall too far.
- Suns – Marquese Chriss, F, Washington
One of the great stories leading up to this year’s draft has been Chriss’ rise into the lottery. He played just one season at Washington, and he wasn’t even in the top 50 of his high school recruiting class. Now, he’s projected by many to be selected in the top 10. He’s still a little rough around the edges, but most seem to agree his ceiling is among the highest of anyone in this class, and Phoenix should be willing to take the risk on him.
- Timberwolves – Kris Dunn, G, Providence
One of the most polished players in this class, Dunn revitalized Providence’s basketball program. He stands at 6’4” and has a lengthy 6’9” wingspan. He’s incredibly explosive and athletic, which is why he’s able to get by defenders and get to the basket so easily. He’s a terrific passer, and is excellent in transition. His jump shot has improved over his three years at Providence, and his propensity to turn the ball over may concern some, but should diminish with better coaching at the next level. With the Timberwolves’ young core of Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, and Gorgui Dieng, Dunn would only make this group that much scarier.
- Pelicans – Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky
Murray quickly established himself as one of the most prolific shooters in the country. He’s an excellent spot-up shooter, but was mind-boggling off the screen, shooting 56 percent off picks. He’s an impressive finisher at the rim and is pretty crafty when he gets close to the basket. Other than Anthony Davis, the Pelicans lack a real scoring threat, and Jamal Murray could come in right away and average 16-18 points per game.
- Nuggets – Jaylen Brown, F, California
An athletic freak, Brown would fit in nicely in Denver with the athletic freak they selected last year with their first pick (Emmanuel Mudiay). His deep ball needs a lot of work (he shot just 29% from three at Cal), but he has a nose for getting to the basket and is a good finisher. Putting him alongside guys like Mudiay, Gary Harris, Kenneth Faried and Danillo Gallinari would definitely be beneficial for him, as he won’t have to pick up so much of the offensive work load like he did in his only season at Cal.
- Kings – Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma
A couple years ago, the Kings selected a “can’t-miss” shooting guard, but Ben McLemore has been very underwhelming. Buddy Hield is no Ben McLemore, though. Hield’s shot and range are so much more polished and impressive than McLemore’s were when he left Kansas in 2013. Hield can create his own shot, shoot from basically anywhere on the floor and even create for others. If they bring back Rajon Rondo, the Kings could be looking at a half-decent lineup in 2017.
- Raptors – Henry Ellenson, F, Marquette
The one-and-done 19-year-old has a great low-post game, and has the tools to become a true stretch-four for Toronto, who has a major need for a power forward. Another guy with an incredibly high ceiling, if he falls any further he could be the steal of the draft.
- Bucks – Skal Labissiere, F, Kentucky
A year ago, many people would have thought Labissiere would be the top pick in this year’s draft, but after an incredibly disappointing year at Kentucky, Labissiere is still a top-ten pick bases solely on potential. The 7-footer is definitely a project, but if he does live up to his potential, the Bucks could soon be a force to be reckoned with in the East.
- Magic – Jakob Poeltl, F, Utah
A 7’1” rim protector, Poeltl plays like a true big. He followed up an impressive freshman season at Utah with another above-average year. He could be really fun to watch alongside Nikola Vucevic.
- Jazz – Denzel Valentine, G, Michigan State
Denzel’s ceiling has most likely already been met, as he’s one of the few four-year guys who are going to be selected in the first round in this year’s draft. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. His four years at Michigan State, along with his incredible versatility on the court, could make him a contributing piece right away for a Utah team that just missed the playoffs this year.
- Suns – Deyonta Davis, F, Michigan State
Davis is another risk for the Suns, but he should be an excellent defensive big for years to come in the NBA. He was one of the best shot blockers in the country and he rebounds very well. His offensive game needs some work, but the Suns aren’t going anywhere any time soon so he has some time to work on it.
- Bulls – Domantas Sabonis, F, Gonzaga
If Joakim Noah isn’t back, Sabonis makes perfect sense for a Bulls team that will need to haul in some frontcourt talent.
- Nuggets – Furkan Korkmaz, G, Turkey
A draft-and-stash guy, Korkmaz is an excellent shooter and rather tall for a shooting guard. He won’t contribute for Denver right away, but they can afford to let him develop more before bringing him over to the United States.
- Celtics – Timothe Luwawu, G, France
A good athlete with good size, Luwawu has incredible ability from deep (he shoots it at about 40 percent). His ability to shoot and defend might bump him up into the lottery, but I could definitely see him falling into the Celtics’ lap at No. 16.
- Grizzlies – Demetrius Jackson, G, Notre Dame
If Mike Conley walks, Demetrius Jackson would definitely be able to start and do a capable job from the get-go. He’s excellent in pick-and-roll, and he’s an above-average deep-ball shooter.
- Pistons – Wade Baldwin, G, Vanderbilt
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Grizzlies snatched him at No. 17, but if they don’t, I don’t see the lengthy point guard getting by the Pistons. He has great length for his position, and he can shoot the three. The Pistons really need someone to help Reggie Jackson at the point. Baldwin can offer a lot of help.
- Nuggets – Diamond Stone, F, Maryland
Stone was a top five recruit coming out of high school, but his lone season at Maryland wasn’t as impressive as most people were expecting it to be. He also hasn’t interviewed too well, either. But there is just so much raw talent there, it’ll be difficult for teams to let him keep falling.
- Pacers – Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia
The Pacers lack depth in the frontcourt, but if they decide on Zubac, they likely won’t see him in a Pacers uniform until at least 2018.
- Hawks – Taurean Prince, F, Baylor
A good rebounder and a guy who can guard multiple positions, Prince would fit in nicely with a Hawks frontcourt already consisting of Paul Millsap and Al Horford (should he re-sign).
- Hornets – Malachi Richardson, G, Syracuse
Five months ago, no one saw this coming. But after an impressive performance in the NCAA Tournament that helped propel Syracuse to an unexpected birth in the Final Four, Richardson secured himself a spot in the first round, despite being very unpolished. He has loads of potential, but might take a few more years to fully reach it.
- Celtics – Cheick Diallo, F, Kansas
I don’t think anyone was surprised Diallo decided to leave Kansas after just one year, even though he hardly played (and when he did play, he wasn’t too impressive). The Celtics have a lot of big men, especially if they add Bender, but Diallo is certainly a project, but the potential is indeed there.
- Sixers – Tyler Ulis, G, Kentucky
If he were three or four inches taller, Ulis could’ve been the third pick in this draft. I think he’s that good. He was without a doubt the best point guard in college basketball. He can score, he’s efficient, he’s an incredible passer with excellent vision and a plus defender (he won SEC Player and Defensive Player of the Year last season). He also is very safe with the ball, as he posted a 3.75 assist to turnover ratio last year. Though he’s just 5’9”, Ulis could very well be the Sixers’ point guard of the future.
- Clippers – Juan Hernangomez, F, Spain
A 6’9” stretch-four who can shoot the ball from deep, Hernangomez could fit nicely with the Clippers current core group in a year or so – or whenever he decides to come over.
- Sixers – De’Andre Bembry, F, Saint Joseph’s
The Sixers could use a slasher, especially one who can guard multiple positions and pass like a point guard. He’s tough, he’s aggressive, and he went to school right down the road, so why not keep him close to home?
- Raptors – Thon Maker, C, Australia
His ceiling is higher than most, but he just hasn’t faced a lot of tough competition on a consistent basis. With all that potential, he’s a sure-bet to go in the first round.
- Suns – Malik Beasley, G, Florida State
Beasley has a nice making for a solid two-guard, but he’s not a great shot creator. He’s a good shooter, but his defense needs work. I still think he’s a year or two away from being able to hit his full potential, but he and Devin Booker could be fun to watch in Phoenix in a couple years.
- Spurs – Ben Bentil, F, Providence
Tim Duncan is bound to retire at some point, right? Well, when he does, Bentil would be a nice replacement at the four. He’s long, he can score from a lot of different places, and can even stroke it from deep. He’s an above average rebounder and can be an extremely versatile player for Popovich.
- Warriors – Brice Johnson, F, North Carolina
Johnson is so athletically gifted, it’s scary. He’s quick, he’s long, he can jump out of the building, and he can rebound with the best of them. He’s not always 100 percent tuned in on defense at times, but that will surely change once he gets to the league. He could be an interesting fit in the Warriors’ system.
