[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

The Sixers started the season with a couple of shocking wins led by some monster games by MCW.  Then they fall back to earth, then they CRASHED.  The Bucks out-tanked them by the end of the year, with the Sixers finishing the season with the second worst record.

So, worst case scenario, they fall to 5.

Who would they take at 5?

I would think that Embiid, Parker, and Wiggins would be off the board.  Now, I think the next guy on their wish list would be Julius Randle (who they could pair with James Young or another wing with the Pelicans’ pick).  If he is not there either it would be down to Dante Exum, Marcus Smart, Noah Vonleh, and Aaron Gordon.

What would you guys do?

I am thinking that Exum and Smart might not be able to fit in with MCW.  The Sixers also have a ball dominant slasher off the bench in Tony Wroten.

I am not sold on Vonleh, so I would go with Aaron Gordon.  He can defend and run the floor.  Great athlete who could further energize Philly.  He could play the four or some three, which would allow them to keep Thad Young.  … then they can hopefully still get James Young with the Pelicans’ pick.

They would be in pretty good shape with a young, promising core of MCW, Noel, Thad Young, Aaron Gordon, James Young, and Tony Wroten.  Then they can use their second round picks on extra shooters, an enforcer big man who can rebound (like Patric Young), and maybe somebody to stash overseas.  

A good second round for the Sixers might be to go after some unheralded role players to fill out the roster with solid utility guys with solid experience.  I would go with Isiah Austin as a legit 7 footer with some range, Patric Young as a guy with great size for a power forward and some skills as a banger, Ryan Boatright (if he comes out) as a solid combo guard who could play with either MCW or Wroten or also in three guard lineups, Luke Hancock as a crafty scorer and three point shooter on the wing, and Niels Giffey, yet another player with championship experience and a guy who can hustle, rebound some, and hit 3 pointers from the small forward slot.  … those second rounders might not be "upside" guys but each player fills a role.  

You could also basically roll out a Five Rookie second unit of Boatright, Hancock, Giffey, Young, and Austin with the starters being MCW, James Young, Aaron Gordon, Thad Young, and Nerlens Noel.  I would have Tony Wroten as the 6th man with Elliott Williams playing with the second unit, too.  

I would also consider trading Jason Richardson to the Grizzlies for Tayshaun Prince, cash, and a future second round pick.  Prince would give the Sixers some depth at the small forward spot as well as some veteran leadership.  Prince can also handle the ball some and pass.  

I would fill out the 14 man roster with an extra big man with experience and a veteran point guard. 

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 What is your projected team order if they slip to 5? A visual will help out with the Big Board for them in regards to being #5. Whomever selects at #4 could alter a lot within the Top 10 once the "Big 3" are gone.

Me personally I would select a 3 or 4 man that high but the possibility of a 2 will most certainly loom because of the depth in that range.

 

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 What is your projected team order if they slip to 5? A visual will help out with the Big Board for them in regards to being #5. Whomever selects at #4 could alter a lot within the Top 10 once the "Big 3" are gone.

Me personally I would select a 3 or 4 man that high but the possibility of a 2 will most certainly loom because of the depth in that range.

 

[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

 Pray that Randle falls to 5 too.

[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

 Pray that Randle falls to 5 too.

[juves4783Participant]

exum, randle or vonleh.  if they go exum, they can pick a sf next.  hood, anderson, warren, mcdermott, gordon…one should be around.  if they go randle or vonleh, hope that gary harris is still around or james young and move thad to sf.

 

[juves4783Participant]

exum, randle or vonleh.  if they go exum, they can pick a sf next.  hood, anderson, warren, mcdermott, gordon…one should be around.  if they go randle or vonleh, hope that gary harris is still around or james young and move thad to sf.

 

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

i lol’d at the players you named as people they should target as 2nd rounders.

Austin can provide some value, i have no problem with that. Patric Youg? meh, not a good rebounder and doesnt have any skills. he’s just a big body at 6’9. Boatwright? prob. Luke Hancock is a scrub, he wont even get drafted. Giffey is another scrub who wont even get drafted. 

at #5 they’ll still have some good options. Exum seems to be a lock to be selected after the big 3 . that should have Randle fall to them. Vonleh should is also a lock to be available so theres another option at the PF spot. i like vonleh alot, so it wouldnt bother me if they chose him after Randle.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

i lol’d at the players you named as people they should target as 2nd rounders.

Austin can provide some value, i have no problem with that. Patric Youg? meh, not a good rebounder and doesnt have any skills. he’s just a big body at 6’9. Boatwright? prob. Luke Hancock is a scrub, he wont even get drafted. Giffey is another scrub who wont even get drafted. 

at #5 they’ll still have some good options. Exum seems to be a lock to be selected after the big 3 . that should have Randle fall to them. Vonleh should is also a lock to be available so theres another option at the PF spot. i like vonleh alot, so it wouldnt bother me if they chose him after Randle.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

^^^

1.  LA Lakers Joel Embiid

2.  Boston Celtics Jabari Parker

3. Orlando Magic Andrew Wiggins

4. Milwaukee Bucks — Julius Randle.  What if they aren’t sold on Marcus Smart (deciding Brandon Knight and Nate Wolters are solid).  Then Dante Exum won’t work out for them.  Julius Randle is then the best guy on the board. 

5.  Sixers — Aaron Gordon, Noah Vonleh, Exum, and Marcus Smart are the best guys on the board, but they already have MCW as their point guard and the guy with the "keys" to the franchise.  Aaron Gordon might then be the best guy on the board and a great complement to MCW.  

Lots of what ifs though, with Milwaukee basically having to get the fourth pick and them taking Julius Randle.  They could very well go with Exum or Smart to lead the team.  Then at 5 the Sixers are looking at three forwards — Randle, Gordon, and Vonleh.  Randle looks like "the guy" on paper, but maybe Aaron Gordon has a better workout.  

I could see Aaron Gordon as high as 5 in this draft.  

If the Bucks take Exum or Smart, then maybe Philly wants Thad Young as their power forward, then you go with Aaron Gordon’s athleticism and versatility instead of Julius Randle.  Then they would figure they could get a guy like James Young or Nik Stauskas (a 2 guard who can shoot and score) with the Pelicans pick.  

Another way to look at it, what if the Sixers fall to 4?  The Big Three are off the board.  Then it is down to Exum, Smart, and Randle, Vonleh, and Aaron Gordon.  Do they automatically go with Julius Randle if Thad Young is still in the fold?  … with Thad and Gordon, Thad can score/bang inside with Gordon slashing.  Then Gordon can guard the freakish small forwards (LeBron, Durant, Paul George) on defense.  

An MCW/Gordon pick and roll would be very nice…

Ok, so now I am selling myself with Aaron Gordon as high as 4.   

[Hector_Reyes_8Participant]

Worst offense in the league! Worst FT shooting team in the league! Holy crap, all you’d have to do would be pack the paint and play rough and they’d be lucky to get 70 points a game.

Athletic as hell, sure, and defensively exciting, but those 3 skinny guys would be dominated by the big guys inside.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 lol yup, god forbid Woten is in the backcourt with MCW.

he’s overvalueing Gordon, he brings good things to the table, but top 5 is too high. i see people over valueing gordon jus like people over valued MKG in the past.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 lol yup, god forbid Woten is in the backcourt with MCW.

he’s overvalueing Gordon, he brings good things to the table, but top 5 is too high. i see people over valueing gordon jus like people over valued MKG in the past.

[vulture711Participant]

 I had a better jump shot than Gordon in 6th grade

[vulture711Participant]

 I had a better jump shot than Gordon in 6th grade

[Hector_Reyes_8Participant]

Worst offense in the league! Worst FT shooting team in the league! Holy crap, all you’d have to do would be pack the paint and play rough and they’d be lucky to get 70 points a game.

Athletic as hell, sure, and defensively exciting, but those 3 skinny guys would be dominated by the big guys inside.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 I really don’t even want to follow up now from my initial post because of your projected Top 2 teams.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 I really don’t even want to follow up now from my initial post because of your projected Top 2 teams.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

^^^

1.  LA Lakers Joel Embiid

2.  Boston Celtics Jabari Parker

3. Orlando Magic Andrew Wiggins

4. Milwaukee Bucks — Julius Randle.  What if they aren’t sold on Marcus Smart (deciding Brandon Knight and Nate Wolters are solid).  Then Dante Exum won’t work out for them.  Julius Randle is then the best guy on the board. 

5.  Sixers — Aaron Gordon, Noah Vonleh, Exum, and Marcus Smart are the best guys on the board, but they already have MCW as their point guard and the guy with the "keys" to the franchise.  Aaron Gordon might then be the best guy on the board and a great complement to MCW.  

Lots of what ifs though, with Milwaukee basically having to get the fourth pick and them taking Julius Randle.  They could very well go with Exum or Smart to lead the team.  Then at 5 the Sixers are looking at three forwards — Randle, Gordon, and Vonleh.  Randle looks like "the guy" on paper, but maybe Aaron Gordon has a better workout.  

I could see Aaron Gordon as high as 5 in this draft.  

If the Bucks take Exum or Smart, then maybe Philly wants Thad Young as their power forward, then you go with Aaron Gordon’s athleticism and versatility instead of Julius Randle.  Then they would figure they could get a guy like James Young or Nik Stauskas (a 2 guard who can shoot and score) with the Pelicans pick.  

Another way to look at it, what if the Sixers fall to 4?  The Big Three are off the board.  Then it is down to Exum, Smart, and Randle, Vonleh, and Aaron Gordon.  Do they automatically go with Julius Randle if Thad Young is still in the fold?  … with Thad and Gordon, Thad can score/bang inside with Gordon slashing.  Then Gordon can guard the freakish small forwards (LeBron, Durant, Paul George) on defense.  

An MCW/Gordon pick and roll would be very nice…

Ok, so now I am selling myself with Aaron Gordon as high as 4.   

[vulture711Participant]

 Either Randle if he is there and move Thad to the 3 or Exum to start @ 2 next to MCW.  

[vulture711Participant]

 Either Randle if he is there and move Thad to the 3 or Exum to start @ 2 next to MCW.  

[PhillytheKid]

I think Championship players win Championships.  I think of Tim Duncan (definition of PF), or Dirk (standout length and skill), Kobe (definition of a 2 guard with his size and ability), and obviously Lebron or Shaq, even KG, Pierce, and Ray Allen.  These guys define their positions as physical specimens and with their skill.

Guys like Dwight Howard (not a true big man), Zach Randolph (undersized at PF), or even A.I. as great as he was, or James Harden (terrible defense) are very good players but lack something cruicial at their positions.  

In that same way I am wary of a John Randle.  We are trying to build a championship team.  His short arms and generous 6’9” height concern me as a PF.  I don’t care how bulky he is, I don’t see him physically nor mentally, leading a team to a championship.  

Vonleh has that 7’4” reach, he will help Noel crash boards.  He just looks like he belongs in the NBA at that position.  And he can shoot from the outside.  He’s Chris Bosh lite.  I like him a lot after he does some strengthening in the gym.

Gordon is the same as Randle.  A tweener.  I see Gordon being an off the bench Taj Gibson type of guy in the NBA.  A very good defensive player with no offensive skill.  He’s like a 6th man coming off a bench.

 

For the Sixers you have to think Championship in 3 years.

I like MCW, Lavine, Thaddeus Young, Vonleh, and Noel.

I like MCW, Lavine, Wiggins, Thaddeus Young, Noel.

I like MCW, FA, Parker, Gordon, Noel.  with Thaddeus off the bench.

I like MCW, James Young, Parker, Thaddeus, and Noel as well.  

[PhillytheKid]

I think Championship players win Championships.  I think of Tim Duncan (definition of PF), or Dirk (standout length and skill), Kobe (definition of a 2 guard with his size and ability), and obviously Lebron or Shaq, even KG, Pierce, and Ray Allen.  These guys define their positions as physical specimens and with their skill.

Guys like Dwight Howard (not a true big man), Zach Randolph (undersized at PF), or even A.I. as great as he was, or James Harden (terrible defense) are very good players but lack something cruicial at their positions.  

In that same way I am wary of a John Randle.  We are trying to build a championship team.  His short arms and generous 6’9” height concern me as a PF.  I don’t care how bulky he is, I don’t see him physically nor mentally, leading a team to a championship.  

Vonleh has that 7’4” reach, he will help Noel crash boards.  He just looks like he belongs in the NBA at that position.  And he can shoot from the outside.  He’s Chris Bosh lite.  I like him a lot after he does some strengthening in the gym.

Gordon is the same as Randle.  A tweener.  I see Gordon being an off the bench Taj Gibson type of guy in the NBA.  A very good defensive player with no offensive skill.  He’s like a 6th man coming off a bench.

 

For the Sixers you have to think Championship in 3 years.

I like MCW, Lavine, Thaddeus Young, Vonleh, and Noel.

I like MCW, Lavine, Wiggins, Thaddeus Young, Noel.

I like MCW, FA, Parker, Gordon, Noel.  with Thaddeus off the bench.

I like MCW, James Young, Parker, Thaddeus, and Noel as well.  

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If Aaron Gordon can defend small forwards then that would make up for him not being a tweener on offense.  He is still a great athlete. 

Thad Young might be the guy who messes things up for them.  If they fall out of the top 3, then the next guys on their board could all be power forwards — Randle, Vonleh, and Gordon.  Now, you can have Thad Young post up and defend 4’s with Gordon slashing, crashing the boards, and defend small forwards, but Randle and Thad or even Vonleh and Thad wouldn’t really fit. 

Then with the other pick they go with a shooter and scorer.  Either at the 2 with Stauskas, James Young, or Gary Harris or at the 3 with Early, Daniels, Rodney Hood, or Doug McDermott. 

With Philly being built around MCW and Nerlens Noel it looks like they are going with length, versatility, and defense, as opposed to shooting.  Also with Tony Wroten on board he is more of a long, versatile, defensive athlete more than a shooter, as well.  Thad Young can score and board, but he is not really a perimeter shooter either.  So, right now your young core isn’t known for outside shooting (Elliott Williams is a combo guard off the bench with decent size for a ball handler).  Might as well play to their strengths and go with a long, versatile, defender with their top pick. Then go with a shooting wing with the Pelicans’ pick.

If I try to put someone in there that will fit in with both Thad Young and Nerlens Noel, then Gordon is a guy who can defend small forwards and gives them an above the rim guy.  Vonleh might be the best fit next to Noel but would a front line of Thad, Vonleh, and Noel fit?

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If Aaron Gordon can defend small forwards then that would make up for him not being a tweener on offense.  He is still a great athlete. 

Thad Young might be the guy who messes things up for them.  If they fall out of the top 3, then the next guys on their board could all be power forwards — Randle, Vonleh, and Gordon.  Now, you can have Thad Young post up and defend 4’s with Gordon slashing, crashing the boards, and defend small forwards, but Randle and Thad or even Vonleh and Thad wouldn’t really fit. 

Then with the other pick they go with a shooter and scorer.  Either at the 2 with Stauskas, James Young, or Gary Harris or at the 3 with Early, Daniels, Rodney Hood, or Doug McDermott. 

With Philly being built around MCW and Nerlens Noel it looks like they are going with length, versatility, and defense, as opposed to shooting.  Also with Tony Wroten on board he is more of a long, versatile, defensive athlete more than a shooter, as well.  Thad Young can score and board, but he is not really a perimeter shooter either.  So, right now your young core isn’t known for outside shooting (Elliott Williams is a combo guard off the bench with decent size for a ball handler).  Might as well play to their strengths and go with a long, versatile, defender with their top pick. Then go with a shooting wing with the Pelicans’ pick.

If I try to put someone in there that will fit in with both Thad Young and Nerlens Noel, then Gordon is a guy who can defend small forwards and gives them an above the rim guy.  Vonleh might be the best fit next to Noel but would a front line of Thad, Vonleh, and Noel fit?

[burgessfourParticipant]

They need to address the frontcourt with both picks. If they end up at 5 and Randle is gone I would be fine with Vonleh and Hood at 10. If they get Wiggins/Parker I would take Gordon with pick 10. Thad will be a combo forward off the bench, at least in the long run (if he’s here). I may draft SG’s at both 32 & 39, take a big or 2 or draft and stash. You may have to live with piece-meal at SG, but hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

[burgessfourParticipant]

They need to address the frontcourt with both picks. If they end up at 5 and Randle is gone I would be fine with Vonleh and Hood at 10. If they get Wiggins/Parker I would take Gordon with pick 10. Thad will be a combo forward off the bench, at least in the long run (if he’s here). I may draft SG’s at both 32 & 39, take a big or 2 or draft and stash. You may have to live with piece-meal at SG, but hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

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