[apb540Participant]

With the top two picks (Towns and Okafor) seemingly set, that brings every mock draft creator’s attention to the Sixers at number 3.

A lot of mocks have Russell going here, but that just doesn’t seem like a Sam Hinkie-type thing to do. Why? Simply put, there are a lot of good young PG’s in the league, plus a few on the free agent market, so why spend such a high pick on a below-average athlete at such a saturated position? Wouldn’t it make much more sense to go with a stud SG or SF, the international draft sensation, or the PG with above-average athleticism?

I personally don’t see Russell going 3 to the Sixers, but maybe I’ll be proven wrong. As a fan of the team, I’d like to see them trade back a few spots and get Winslow or Johnson, but I know that’s easier said than done. If I had to predict, I would guess that the Sixers go with Mudiay if they stay at 3. What do you all think?

[220Participant]

 It’s hard to say at this point, but I expect the 76ers take either whoever is left between Towns, Okafor, and Russell or Porzingis. 

[220Participant]

 It’s hard to say at this point, but I expect the 76ers take either whoever is left between Towns, Okafor, and Russell or Porzingis. 

[Mad MaxParticipant]

 Going out on a limb

[Mad MaxParticipant]

 Going out on a limb

[220Participant]

 Hahaha yeah I guess that I was playing it ridiculously safe. I wish I knew who the Lakers were taking at this point in order to have a better clue from there. Heck I’m hearing that Flip Saunders wants Okafor and his staff wants Towns. I think the Sixers should take Russell, but if he’s gone I don’t know who they value most.

 One more week though, that makes me happy. I’ve only missed one draft since 1992 and that was 1999.

[220Participant]

 Hahaha yeah I guess that I was playing it ridiculously safe. I wish I knew who the Lakers were taking at this point in order to have a better clue from there. Heck I’m hearing that Flip Saunders wants Okafor and his staff wants Towns. I think the Sixers should take Russell, but if he’s gone I don’t know who they value most.

 One more week though, that makes me happy. I’ve only missed one draft since 1992 and that was 1999.

[WinterSoldierParticipant]

 Russell tested out to be a decent athlete. 

"Just watch D’Angelo’s Russell’s vertical jump test. 30.5" standing vert. 39" max vert. Much better than expected." Chad Ford

I think he is the obvious pick. His skillset is extremely advanced for a 19 year old. His passing is elite and really exciting to watch. There are not a lot of players like him that I have seen. 

If the sixers don’t him want i’m sure there will be plenty of teams willing to trade with them to get him.

 

 

[WinterSoldierParticipant]

 Russell tested out to be a decent athlete. 

"Just watch D’Angelo’s Russell’s vertical jump test. 30.5" standing vert. 39" max vert. Much better than expected." Chad Ford

I think he is the obvious pick. His skillset is extremely advanced for a 19 year old. His passing is elite and really exciting to watch. There are not a lot of players like him that I have seen. 

If the sixers don’t him want i’m sure there will be plenty of teams willing to trade with them to get him.

 

 

[rich.homie.mitchParticipant]

 I expect the 76ers to pick russell or mudiay.

But about the standing and max vert, I was watching a video (Coach Daniel I think?) and he was saying how those measurements don’t mean a whole lot. Look at Doug for the bulls, he had a great vert and stuff better than walls and westbrooks I think. Is he the athelete they are? No. It’s all about explosiveness and how you use it.

 

[rich.homie.mitchParticipant]

 I expect the 76ers to pick russell or mudiay.

But about the standing and max vert, I was watching a video (Coach Daniel I think?) and he was saying how those measurements don’t mean a whole lot. Look at Doug for the bulls, he had a great vert and stuff better than walls and westbrooks I think. Is he the athelete they are? No. It’s all about explosiveness and how you use it.

 

[WinterSoldierParticipant]

 Well the measurements are the only standard we have to go on. I think I can clearly say Russell is a better athlete than Dougie. I don’t think he is more explosive than Wall and Westbrook but they are bad comparisons to Russell because they are below average shooters. Curry and Thompson who compare closer to Russell don’t have much in the way of explosion and they have done just fine. 

Mudiay’s comparisons would be Wall and Westbrook and honestly you should be a lot more worried about him. It is pretty clear that he doen’t have the explosion that they have. He also cannot shoot the ball. He is a much higher risk than Russell IMO.

 

[WinterSoldierParticipant]

 Well the measurements are the only standard we have to go on. I think I can clearly say Russell is a better athlete than Dougie. I don’t think he is more explosive than Wall and Westbrook but they are bad comparisons to Russell because they are below average shooters. Curry and Thompson who compare closer to Russell don’t have much in the way of explosion and they have done just fine. 

Mudiay’s comparisons would be Wall and Westbrook and honestly you should be a lot more worried about him. It is pretty clear that he doen’t have the explosion that they have. He also cannot shoot the ball. He is a much higher risk than Russell IMO.

 

[shootingstar11Participant]

I think 76ers may end up picking Porzingis because he may be one of the best players out of this draft.

The potential is too great, plus all the uncertainties surrounding Embiid’s future… 76ers need a big to pair up w/ Noel.

I personally think Mudiay is a better prospect than Russel, but both are excellent PG prospects, i just feel that a big, athletic PG is so rare and hard to come by…. I can see Mudiay dominating at PG position for years to come, not so sure about Russel.

 

  

[shootingstar11Participant]

I think 76ers may end up picking Porzingis because he may be one of the best players out of this draft.

The potential is too great, plus all the uncertainties surrounding Embiid’s future… 76ers need a big to pair up w/ Noel.

I personally think Mudiay is a better prospect than Russel, but both are excellent PG prospects, i just feel that a big, athletic PG is so rare and hard to come by…. I can see Mudiay dominating at PG position for years to come, not so sure about Russel.

 

  

[apb540Participant]

Russell isn’t a terrible athlete by any means, but I’m gonna need more than a blurb from Chad Ford to be convinced that he’s an improved athlete from what I saw at Ohio State. I personally feel like Russell’s biggest weakness in the NBA will be his lack of athleticism, quickness, and inability to get to the rim. You could argue those were his biggest weaknesses in college, often times leading to missed shots due to a lack of separation, blocked or altered shots around the hoop, and turnovers.

I’ve got no doubt about Russell’s passing, shooting, IQ, or height for the position, but let’s not act like he doesn’t have his own share of shortcomings. That’s exactly why I personally don’t see what makes him the “obvious” pick; reminds me a lot of Evan Turner being the “obvious” pick despite some of the same short-comings and being picked over “riskier” players such as D-Cuz, Favors, or Paul George.

[apb540Participant]

Russell isn’t a terrible athlete by any means, but I’m gonna need more than a blurb from Chad Ford to be convinced that he’s an improved athlete from what I saw at Ohio State. I personally feel like Russell’s biggest weakness in the NBA will be his lack of athleticism, quickness, and inability to get to the rim. You could argue those were his biggest weaknesses in college, often times leading to missed shots due to a lack of separation, blocked or altered shots around the hoop, and turnovers.

I’ve got no doubt about Russell’s passing, shooting, IQ, or height for the position, but let’s not act like he doesn’t have his own share of shortcomings. That’s exactly why I personally don’t see what makes him the “obvious” pick; reminds me a lot of Evan Turner being the “obvious” pick despite some of the same short-comings and being picked over “riskier” players such as D-Cuz, Favors, or Paul George.

[WinterSoldierParticipant]

 Evan Turner was a junior when he came out and even then I don’t think he had Russells skill level. I’m not saying that the Sixers have to take him they can take who they want. I personally believe that he should be the obvious pick. His skill level at his age is rare and he needs very little seperation to get his shot off much like Curry. You used the Evan Turner but you could just as easily say Curry and Thompson had the same concerns also. 

 I don’t see a Cousins, Favors or George in this draft that you would be taking him over. Porzingis and Hezonja both could be really good even better than Russell, but in any draft you are taking that risk. It comes down to are you more worried about passing on those other guys or are you more worried about passing on Russell. I personally wouldn’t pass on Russell but i’m sure others probably would.

[WinterSoldierParticipant]

 Evan Turner was a junior when he came out and even then I don’t think he had Russells skill level. I’m not saying that the Sixers have to take him they can take who they want. I personally believe that he should be the obvious pick. His skill level at his age is rare and he needs very little seperation to get his shot off much like Curry. You used the Evan Turner but you could just as easily say Curry and Thompson had the same concerns also. 

 I don’t see a Cousins, Favors or George in this draft that you would be taking him over. Porzingis and Hezonja both could be really good even better than Russell, but in any draft you are taking that risk. It comes down to are you more worried about passing on those other guys or are you more worried about passing on Russell. I personally wouldn’t pass on Russell but i’m sure others probably would.

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 "He’s a sub par athlete but has a great ‘Feel’ for the game, so the athleticism won;t be an issue…" Does that sound familiar??? It’s a quote from Evan Turner’s 2010 Pre- Draft scouting report (look it up)… Doug Collins turned the Phila franchise into a smoking ruin w/ Two decisions… First, he picked Evan Turner over Cousins or Favors in the 2010 Draft… Next he lucks out by picking Vucevick but then turns around & trades Vucevick along w/ Andre Igudola & THREE 1st round picks (2012, 2015 & 2017) to acquire Andrew Bynum who they would Not have needed had they just drafted Cousins in the first place… It’s hard to believe the treasure trove of Blue Chip Prospects & 1st round picks Hinkie has acquired in ONLY 25 months since neing hired in May of 2013… If the Sixers are smart – & they have been Very smart so far under Hinkie – they stay FAR away from Russell… I was Not impressed & he was Utterly Dominated the ONE time he matched up w/ an NBA level talent in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of Arizona in the 2nd round of the Tounrey… That Ohio st lost means nothing, the fact that RHJ simply Toyed w/ Russell means Everything… They didn’t look like they belonged on the same court & that’s b/c they don’t… I think Philly takes Mudiay or Porzingus but if the Lakers do something Insane – like draft Russell at #2, then Phila will grab Okafor & my lord in 5 years, w/ Three star 7 footers they may dominate the East after Lebron begins to fade…. Either way they should RUN from Russell – he’s Evan Turner 2.0

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 "He’s a sub par athlete but has a great ‘Feel’ for the game, so the athleticism won;t be an issue…" Does that sound familiar??? It’s a quote from Evan Turner’s 2010 Pre- Draft scouting report (look it up)… Doug Collins turned the Phila franchise into a smoking ruin w/ Two decisions… First, he picked Evan Turner over Cousins or Favors in the 2010 Draft… Next he lucks out by picking Vucevick but then turns around & trades Vucevick along w/ Andre Igudola & THREE 1st round picks (2012, 2015 & 2017) to acquire Andrew Bynum who they would Not have needed had they just drafted Cousins in the first place… It’s hard to believe the treasure trove of Blue Chip Prospects & 1st round picks Hinkie has acquired in ONLY 25 months since neing hired in May of 2013… If the Sixers are smart – & they have been Very smart so far under Hinkie – they stay FAR away from Russell… I was Not impressed & he was Utterly Dominated the ONE time he matched up w/ an NBA level talent in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of Arizona in the 2nd round of the Tounrey… That Ohio st lost means nothing, the fact that RHJ simply Toyed w/ Russell means Everything… They didn’t look like they belonged on the same court & that’s b/c they don’t… I think Philly takes Mudiay or Porzingus but if the Lakers do something Insane – like draft Russell at #2, then Phila will grab Okafor & my lord in 5 years, w/ Three star 7 footers they may dominate the East after Lebron begins to fade…. Either way they should RUN from Russell – he’s Evan Turner 2.0

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I am glad I am not Sam Hinkie.  He must be sweating bullets right now.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I am glad I am not Sam Hinkie.  He must be sweating bullets right now.

[krs12345Participant]

Philly has taken 2 big men the last two drafts and Noel has shown improvement. Embid’s foot will dictate more but Russell is a combo guard that will be a sure fire 20+ ppg scorer in a few years (I say by year 3). They could also take Mudiea (sp?) there if they have free agent wing options that are doable.

[krs12345Participant]

Philly has taken 2 big men the last two drafts and Noel has shown improvement. Embid’s foot will dictate more but Russell is a combo guard that will be a sure fire 20+ ppg scorer in a few years (I say by year 3). They could also take Mudiea (sp?) there if they have free agent wing options that are doable.

[I May Be WrongParticipant]

[I May Be WrongParticipant]

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

What if they trade the pick to Sacramento for Nik Stauskas and the 6th pick plus a future 1st

This way the Kings can draft Russell, Mudiay or Porzingas to pair up with Cousins and Gay…

The 76ers can slide Stauskas in at SG and select a SF like Hezonja, Winslow, Johnson or Oubre, maybe Porzingas is still available at 6 and we draft him to pair up with Noel…I think there’s a possibility he’s there in my opinion…

Here’s a quick example how…

Wolves take Towns or Okafor hands down, most likely Towns
Lakers select Okafor or Towns if available, slim chance they select Russell after watching Curry win a title, I’m gonna go with Okafor
Leaves us back at Philadelphia who should take Russell in the scenario
New York has to take Mudiay or risk the fan base going crazy, I can see them take Porzingas though
Orlando may take the best rim protector in the draft in WCS or another wing like Winslow or Hezonja, leaving the Kings to select Porzingas for Philadelphia, the Kings get Russell, the 76ers get Stauskas and Porzingas

Than they still have plenty of assets to move back into the Lottery for a Sf like Johnson or Oubre, maybe take a contract back like Wallace’s in Boston for their mid 1st rounder and take Jerian Grant to play PG…

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

What if they trade the pick to Sacramento for Nik Stauskas and the 6th pick plus a future 1st

This way the Kings can draft Russell, Mudiay or Porzingas to pair up with Cousins and Gay…

The 76ers can slide Stauskas in at SG and select a SF like Hezonja, Winslow, Johnson or Oubre, maybe Porzingas is still available at 6 and we draft him to pair up with Noel…I think there’s a possibility he’s there in my opinion…

Here’s a quick example how…

Wolves take Towns or Okafor hands down, most likely Towns
Lakers select Okafor or Towns if available, slim chance they select Russell after watching Curry win a title, I’m gonna go with Okafor
Leaves us back at Philadelphia who should take Russell in the scenario
New York has to take Mudiay or risk the fan base going crazy, I can see them take Porzingas though
Orlando may take the best rim protector in the draft in WCS or another wing like Winslow or Hezonja, leaving the Kings to select Porzingas for Philadelphia, the Kings get Russell, the 76ers get Stauskas and Porzingas

Than they still have plenty of assets to move back into the Lottery for a Sf like Johnson or Oubre, maybe take a contract back like Wallace’s in Boston for their mid 1st rounder and take Jerian Grant to play PG…

[Ad1977Participant]

He’s got so many intangibles plus the best shooter in the draft. He’s got swagger and the Sixers need a new face of the franchise.  Why would they take Mudiay if he can’t shoot?  They just got rid of a Pg that couldn’t shoot. 

[Ad1977Participant]

He’s got so many intangibles plus the best shooter in the draft. He’s got swagger and the Sixers need a new face of the franchise.  Why would they take Mudiay if he can’t shoot?  They just got rid of a Pg that couldn’t shoot. 

[apb540Participant]

Russell is a pretty good shooter, but I’m not ready to call him the best in the draft.

[apb540Participant]

Russell is a pretty good shooter, but I’m not ready to call him the best in the draft.

[apb540Participant]

I’d be very happy with that as a Sixers fan, but the problem with suggesting to trade the third pick is tough because we literally have no clue what teams are interested in moving up or down, what they are interested in trading to do so, etc. Anything you see in the media is there for a reason…

That being said, I’d love to deal 3 for 6, a future 1st and their 1st last year. However that would require not only the Kings to want to trade to number 3 and be willing to give up so many assets, but also there needs to be competition from other teams offering similar packages.

[apb540Participant]

I’d be very happy with that as a Sixers fan, but the problem with suggesting to trade the third pick is tough because we literally have no clue what teams are interested in moving up or down, what they are interested in trading to do so, etc. Anything you see in the media is there for a reason…

That being said, I’d love to deal 3 for 6, a future 1st and their 1st last year. However that would require not only the Kings to want to trade to number 3 and be willing to give up so many assets, but also there needs to be competition from other teams offering similar packages.

[shootingstar11Participant]

 I think Magic wants to move up and grab Porzinguis, so i were picking for 76ers, i would draft Porzingus.

You can either keep him (as he has great potential) or trade him to Magic for their #5 pick + other goodies, and you STILL have a chance (good chance) to pick up Mudiay, who could end up being the best player in this draft…

That’s assuming Lakers pick Oakfor… because Knicks would most likely grab Mudiay @ 4th (if Russel’s gone)

 

 

[shootingstar11Participant]

 I think Magic wants to move up and grab Porzinguis, so i were picking for 76ers, i would draft Porzingus.

You can either keep him (as he has great potential) or trade him to Magic for their #5 pick + other goodies, and you STILL have a chance (good chance) to pick up Mudiay, who could end up being the best player in this draft…

That’s assuming Lakers pick Oakfor… because Knicks would most likely grab Mudiay @ 4th (if Russel’s gone)

 

 

[EndlessknightParticipant]

 As we get closer to the draft I’m more and more convined that Sixers are going to take Porzingis, if for no other reason than to hold the Kings/Magic hostage for the right to draft Hezonja and extra picks.

[EndlessknightParticipant]

 As we get closer to the draft I’m more and more convined that Sixers are going to take Porzingis, if for no other reason than to hold the Kings/Magic hostage for the right to draft Hezonja and extra picks.

[shootingstar11Participant]

Yes, i agree w/ your assessment.

Taking Porzingis is a no-brainer for 76ers.  You either keep him or flip him for more assets.  76ers aren’t going nowhere, aren’t under pressured to do anything speical in the next 2-3 years.  Embiid seems like a bust for them, so taking Porzingis is a smart move.

  

[shootingstar11Participant]

Yes, i agree w/ your assessment.

Taking Porzingis is a no-brainer for 76ers.  You either keep him or flip him for more assets.  76ers aren’t going nowhere, aren’t under pressured to do anything speical in the next 2-3 years.  Embiid seems like a bust for them, so taking Porzingis is a smart move.

  

[nill650Participant]

 porzingas has the attn of all three teams at the top ,and I believe unless Russell is on the bd, Porzingas will be the 6’rs selection. It has become apparent that it is not a foregone conclusion that towns or okafor will go 1 and 2 respectively at this point either. As for towns , well others are climbing Russell and Mudiay are both still in the conversation for #1 esp russel and now so is porzingas. Okafor is still a consideration at 1 as well, but seems less of probability and just a different option at 2,3,4 etc 

I now think Okafor and Mudiays floors are lower than Porzingas,Towns and Russell, proabably 7th but I also think Hezonja and Miles Turner both have a shot in the top 4. depends on possible trade scenarios. 

Wcs and my sleeper pick sam dekker still could go as high as 4th if the Knicks really trying to trade the pick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[nill650Participant]

 porzingas has the attn of all three teams at the top ,and I believe unless Russell is on the bd, Porzingas will be the 6’rs selection. It has become apparent that it is not a foregone conclusion that towns or okafor will go 1 and 2 respectively at this point either. As for towns , well others are climbing Russell and Mudiay are both still in the conversation for #1 esp russel and now so is porzingas. Okafor is still a consideration at 1 as well, but seems less of probability and just a different option at 2,3,4 etc 

I now think Okafor and Mudiays floors are lower than Porzingas,Towns and Russell, proabably 7th but I also think Hezonja and Miles Turner both have a shot in the top 4. depends on possible trade scenarios. 

Wcs and my sleeper pick sam dekker still could go as high as 4th if the Knicks really trying to trade the pick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[nill650Participant]

also  towns not doing any workouts for any teams esp even the top 3 teams might cause him to slip despite most mocks having him locked in like anthony davis was…but kat is’nt close to being as good as davis coming in…I do not believe kat or okafor are guaranteed to go 1 and 2. I don’t think lakers would pass on kat however regardless of who goes first.

okafor lack of interest in playing for the timberwolves could push him to 4 or lower. 

these types of things are huge indicators of what type of person the team is investing in, and if a prospect openly says theyd rather play here or there, not for you. That does matter.

 

 

[nill650Participant]

also  towns not doing any workouts for any teams esp even the top 3 teams might cause him to slip despite most mocks having him locked in like anthony davis was…but kat is’nt close to being as good as davis coming in…I do not believe kat or okafor are guaranteed to go 1 and 2. I don’t think lakers would pass on kat however regardless of who goes first.

okafor lack of interest in playing for the timberwolves could push him to 4 or lower. 

these types of things are huge indicators of what type of person the team is investing in, and if a prospect openly says theyd rather play here or there, not for you. That does matter.

 

 

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

 with the concerns about Embiid I can see them going big again and taking Okafor.

[nill650Participant]

 yep, they are probably expecting porzingas falls in their lap…having to choose between okafor and porzingas would make it tough for them to go pg considering embiids possible long term issues.I don’t think kat is on the bd at 3 but either or both of porzingas and okafor could be.

 

 

[nill650Participant]

 yep, they are probably expecting porzingas falls in their lap…having to choose between okafor and porzingas would make it tough for them to go pg considering embiids possible long term issues.I don’t think kat is on the bd at 3 but either or both of porzingas and okafor could be.

 

 

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

 with the concerns about Embiid I can see them going big again and taking Okafor.

[Author]

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