Should the 76ers consider D’Angelo Russell in the top 5???

 I personally think that if Mudiay, Okafor and Towns are all off the board, Russell has to be considered in the group right after them so I don’t think it would be too high.  He’s a player.

 I personally think that if Mudiay, Okafor and Towns are all off the board, Russell has to be considered in the group right after them so I don’t think it would be too high.  He’s a player.

After Okafor and Mudiay, Russell might be the best prospect for Philadelphia. His ability to space the floor and knock down the three is something the Sixers need, and he has good size for his off-ball position at 6’5. His game is smooth and reminds me of Jeremy Lamb, except Russell is a bit smoother and has better handles and possibly a better shot. He looks like a natural shooter and his offensive talent and he would take a lot of pressure off of Michael Carter-Williams. 

I agree that the 3-5 picks may be a little high so trading up could always be an option with that Miami pick. They could always trade down a few spots from the 3-5 range and pick up an extra "asset" or two but if they really like him they should just take him and not risk someone else taking him.

I’m just starting to watch college basketball this season, so how do you think he compares to guys like Kelly Oubre and Stanley Johnson?

After Okafor and Mudiay, Russell might be the best prospect for Philadelphia. His ability to space the floor and knock down the three is something the Sixers need, and he has good size for his off-ball position at 6’5. His game is smooth and reminds me of Jeremy Lamb, except Russell is a bit smoother and has better handles and possibly a better shot. He looks like a natural shooter and his offensive talent and he would take a lot of pressure off of Michael Carter-Williams. 

I agree that the 3-5 picks may be a little high so trading up could always be an option with that Miami pick. They could always trade down a few spots from the 3-5 range and pick up an extra "asset" or two but if they really like him they should just take him and not risk someone else taking him.

I’m just starting to watch college basketball this season, so how do you think he compares to guys like Kelly Oubre and Stanley Johnson?

 First off, let’s give MCW some credit: they’ve got 6 wins and 7 losses over their last 13. If they beat the Pistons tonight, they’d be at .500 in the last 14. Many here complain MCW gets all those assists and rebounds on a team where it doesn’t count because they don’t win. What’s the argument now? He turns the ball over and can’t shoot, but the turnovers are inflated because there aren’t a lot of teamates worth passing to. Some of the Sixers are stepping it up. They might be able to catch the Lakers and possibly the Celtics.

I’d like them to avoid drafting another big man unless they trade one. Mudiay is a great option because he can play the 2 also (though they need someone who can hit 3’s. Trading up with their other 1st draft pick could net them Oubre, a type of player they could really use. They also might be able to trade one of their centers or draft a center first and flip him for someone like Shabazz: someone who can drive and hit from the outside. 

 First off, let’s give MCW some credit: they’ve got 6 wins and 7 losses over their last 13. If they beat the Pistons tonight, they’d be at .500 in the last 14. Many here complain MCW gets all those assists and rebounds on a team where it doesn’t count because they don’t win. What’s the argument now? He turns the ball over and can’t shoot, but the turnovers are inflated because there aren’t a lot of teamates worth passing to. Some of the Sixers are stepping it up. They might be able to catch the Lakers and possibly the Celtics.

I’d like them to avoid drafting another big man unless they trade one. Mudiay is a great option because he can play the 2 also (though they need someone who can hit 3’s. Trading up with their other 1st draft pick could net them Oubre, a type of player they could really use. They also might be able to trade one of their centers or draft a center first and flip him for someone like Shabazz: someone who can drive and hit from the outside. 

Russel with their first pick and Oubre with their second first round pick would be a major coup for the 76ers

Russel with their first pick and Oubre with their second first round pick would be a major coup for the 76ers

 D’Angelo Russell more Brandon Roy or Goran Dragic?

 D’Angelo Russell more Brandon Roy or Goran Dragic?

 Watching him now against Iowa, it’s clear that he is not a main ballhandler and would play really well with a point like MCW. He’s essentially playing the point for OSU out of necessity and is much more effective off the ball. Being the de facto PG this year should help his development and benefit him in the NBA.

 Watching him now against Iowa, it’s clear that he is not a main ballhandler and would play really well with a point like MCW. He’s essentially playing the point for OSU out of necessity and is much more effective off the ball. Being the de facto PG this year should help his development and benefit him in the NBA.

I would be fine with the Sixers taking him as high as 3rd. They desperately need shooting and clearly their roster is in need of another guard much more than a big guy. He also seems like somebody who can contribute immediately so he can help the Sixers compete for a playoff spot next year with a healthy Embiid and hopefully Saric comes over as well.

I would be fine with the Sixers taking him as high as 3rd. They desperately need shooting and clearly their roster is in need of another guard much more than a big guy. He also seems like somebody who can contribute immediately so he can help the Sixers compete for a playoff spot next year with a healthy Embiid and hopefully Saric comes over as well.

 I guess I am just not nearly as high on Russell as everyone else is.  I don’t think Philly should draft for need, since few of the players on their roster are long-term impact players.  They may have a future starter at PG, PF and Center, but I doubt they do at all three.  

If the team thinks Russell really is a top-5 prospect, then he would be the right pick.  But I don’t think his stock should be elevated just because he is more perimeter oriented than the other elite prospects.  And while his court vision and outside shooting are nice, he still has questions to answer about his finishing at the rim, shot selection and ability to perform against elite competition.  I do not think he is on the same tier as Okafor, Towns, Johnson or Mudiay.

The Sixers recent success is nice, but they are a long way from being a genuine playoff contender.  Many terrible teams have the occasional stretch of mediocrity.  

 I guess I am just not nearly as high on Russell as everyone else is.  I don’t think Philly should draft for need, since few of the players on their roster are long-term impact players.  They may have a future starter at PG, PF and Center, but I doubt they do at all three.  

If the team thinks Russell really is a top-5 prospect, then he would be the right pick.  But I don’t think his stock should be elevated just because he is more perimeter oriented than the other elite prospects.  And while his court vision and outside shooting are nice, he still has questions to answer about his finishing at the rim, shot selection and ability to perform against elite competition.  I do not think he is on the same tier as Okafor, Towns, Johnson or Mudiay.

The Sixers recent success is nice, but they are a long way from being a genuine playoff contender.  Many terrible teams have the occasional stretch of mediocrity.  

 I’d rather gamble on the chance that Russell is still there the Heat’s pick then draft him in the top five. I’m almost certain one of Russell, Hezonja, LeVert or Oubre will still be there by 15/16 and in my book their all similar level wing prospects. 

 I’d rather gamble on the chance that Russell is still there the Heat’s pick then draft him in the top five. I’m almost certain one of Russell, Hezonja, LeVert or Oubre will still be there by 15/16 and in my book their all similar level wing prospects. 

 I believe he is a good player and next year he could be a top five pick.  This year… I don’t think so.  If your picking in the top five you should take a sure fire talent and not draft for "need" but best player available.  I’m not sure he is the BPA at five, but lets give him time till the end of the season and then revisit this topic.

 I believe he is a good player and next year he could be a top five pick.  This year… I don’t think so.  If your picking in the top five you should take a sure fire talent and not draft for "need" but best player available.  I’m not sure he is the BPA at five, but lets give him time till the end of the season and then revisit this topic.

I think D’Angelo is actually a top 5 pick based on talent level alone. His stock will fall because he doesn’t have standout athleticism or size, but he’s got that ability to always remain in control and make the right play.

I’m higher on him than most, but the guy just know’s what it takes to win and could see him being an unselfish 20ppg player in the Bradley Beal mould. 

As for Philly, I’m yet to see any players on their roster that have impressed me. I realise they are all still young, and some of them might be All-Stars….but I’m not seeing it. In fact, the only one I like is Dario Saric and my bet is that he never lines up in a 76ers uniform. 

I think D’Angelo is actually a top 5 pick based on talent level alone. His stock will fall because he doesn’t have standout athleticism or size, but he’s got that ability to always remain in control and make the right play.

I’m higher on him than most, but the guy just know’s what it takes to win and could see him being an unselfish 20ppg player in the Bradley Beal mould. 

As for Philly, I’m yet to see any players on their roster that have impressed me. I realise they are all still young, and some of them might be All-Stars….but I’m not seeing it. In fact, the only one I like is Dario Saric and my bet is that he never lines up in a 76ers uniform. 

Yes, Russel, Johnson and Hezonja are my favorite targets for the Sixers.   Russel reminds me of Ray Allens Sonic days.  But I feel like Mario Hezonja is the best wing prospect in the draft.  His size,  athleticism, shooting, and finishing ability are elite for a SG prospect.

Yes, Russel, Johnson and Hezonja are my favorite targets for the Sixers.   Russel reminds me of Ray Allens Sonic days.  But I feel like Mario Hezonja is the best wing prospect in the draft.  His size,  athleticism, shooting, and finishing ability are elite for a SG prospect.

Top 5 seems high but I believe he would be a good fit. Maybe they try to move up to pick 8 or 9 using a top 5 protected pick. Guards that can shoot and defend are better than guards that can’t do one of those. Point or combo guards that cant shoot are going to be albatrosses in the League in the next few years.

Top 5 seems high but I believe he would be a good fit. Maybe they try to move up to pick 8 or 9 using a top 5 protected pick. Guards that can shoot and defend are better than guards that can’t do one of those. Point or combo guards that cant shoot are going to be albatrosses in the League in the next few years.

A lot could depend what happens in the lottery as Philly are currently 3rd, if they fall down the draft board a bit lets say to 5th then Russell will not be such a reach. I like the idea of his 3 point range on the 76ers roster and his intangibles look really good.

If the 76ers stay in the top 3 of the lottery, I don’t see Hinkie wanting to trade down  as I think in their current situation they almost have to take BPA and with two first rounders this year, they would not want another first round pick given the amount of young guys on their roster. Embiid has yet to play in the NBA, Saric needs to come over add on another 3 or so rookies and the team almost becomes too young.

The only way I can see Hinkie trading down would be if he was offered an unprotected future first rounder as part of any deal.

A lot could depend what happens in the lottery as Philly are currently 3rd, if they fall down the draft board a bit lets say to 5th then Russell will not be such a reach. I like the idea of his 3 point range on the 76ers roster and his intangibles look really good.

If the 76ers stay in the top 3 of the lottery, I don’t see Hinkie wanting to trade down  as I think in their current situation they almost have to take BPA and with two first rounders this year, they would not want another first round pick given the amount of young guys on their roster. Embiid has yet to play in the NBA, Saric needs to come over add on another 3 or so rookies and the team almost becomes too young.

The only way I can see Hinkie trading down would be if he was offered an unprotected future first rounder as part of any deal.