The Sixers Stink, Man. So Let’s Talk Draft Prospects Instead
Zo changes the channel from this increasingly depressing Sixers season.
The Sixers, who Suck — even at “Full Strength,” whatever you consider that to be right now — currently stand at the 6th spot, with a top-six protected pick, in a draft considered by most (me included) to be one of the best the league has seen in the past decade. Should the lottery Gods favor our poor asses, or if Brandon Ingram inadvertently shoots the Raptors to a late game win streak, the Sixers not only keep their pick out of Sam Presti’s grubby hands, they also get to restock the cupboard with a guy who hopefully doesn’t move like he’s stuck in cement.
Here’s an immediate top six for me of guys Daryl could potentially take in that spot — for us, for Tyrese Maxey & Jared McCain.
1. Tre Johnson - SG, Texas
Pure buckets. 6’6, 6’10 wingspan, can shoot over top of a smaller defender or drive right by a larger one. Can catch it off the dribble or pull up in traffic all the same. He’d be a mortal lock to be super productive in an offense based more on getting up the floor and making something out of nothing when faced with such a task.
2. VJ Edgecombe - SG, Baylor
Would be the No. 1 pick in any other draft. I think he’s that talented and has that much potential. Does everything well, will dunk on you then pick you up 94 feet and probably steal the ball. Will be fun wherever he goes — but must-see TV as a Sixer.
3. Derik Queen - C, Maryland
His own coach said if he was European he’d be a top 3 pick. There’s seriously not much to dislike about Derik Queen’s game. Plays up to competition, is smooth as they come for someone who’s 6’11, and will have you salivating over his touch around the rim. You could do so much worst than him at 6, especially for a team that will be without its current center for at least 60% of the year, guaranteed.
4. Cooper Flagg - F, Duke
Love Coop, best prospect since Anthony Edwards, but not event Ant Man was THIS dominant in his one year at Georgia. Not much to say about Coop that hasn’t already been said, I just struggle to believe the Sixers will jump that high in the odds to have a shot. But crazier things have happened and Cooper’s on a generational run right now, so we’ll see.
5. Asa Newell - F, Georgia
Speaking of forwards from Georgia. Asa’s been one of my guys since Day 1. The epitome of run & gun and violence at the rim. The best part about him is he is one of the guys in this particular draft who still has some rough edges to shed — so whatever you think he is now, with the right development team, he could more than surpass that.
6. Dylan Harper - G, Rutgers
Another guy who surely won’t be there at 6 but who should be in the mix if they jump. Again, if this was any other draft he’d be the top pick — and some even think he still could be. Had a slow start to the season rehabbing a knee thing, but man has he taken off. Will be one of my favorites to watch regardless of where he lands.