| 8 Possibilities For Philly At 13 Authored by David Mintz - May 31, 2006 - 1:01 am
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According to most draft experts, the first four picks will be LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas, Tyrus Thomas of LSU, Adam Morrison of Gonzaga, and Andrea Bargnani from Italy, although not necessarily in that order. Charlotte is rumored to be very interested in drafting Morrison. The Sixers are unlikely to acquire any of these players as they would have to trade up but do not have enough to offer.
The next four are likely to be Rudy Gay and Marcus Williams of Connecticut, Brandon Roy of Washington, and Randy Foye of Villanova. Unless one unexpectedly drops or the Sixers trade up, they will not get any of these players. A rumor was floating about the Sixers trading up to get Atlanta’s fifth pick, but the Sixers need to have players that interest Atlanta.
The next batch of players is likely to include Shelden Williams and JJ Redick of Duke, Rodney Carney of Memphis, Tiago Splitter from Brazil, Ronnie Brewer of Arkansas, Cedric Simmons of N.C. State, Mardy Collins of Temple, and Patrick O’Bryant of Bradley. Other players may move up or down the board between now and the draft, but these are the names on most experts’ draft boards. Lets take a look at these eight players on an individual basis:
Williams – The Sixers will need a PF to replace Chris Webber when his contract runs out in 2008. Williams should be ready to play now as a backup, and in 2008 could supplant Webber.
Redick – The Sixers don’t need a 6-4 SG who is not a great defender. The Sixers should pass on Redick.
Carney – Carney is a very athletic SG or SF, two positions that the Sixers do not need. Carney is likely to be drafted before the Sixers select.
Splitter – Splitter is a “tweener” between SF and PF. Unless the Sixers are planning to go small in the future, Splitter would not be a good fit. Some experts have Splitter going higher than thirteen, some lower.
Brewer – A tall SG with rebounding skills, Brewer will probably be gone by the time the Sixers pick. If he is there, the Sixers would wise to take him even though they do not need a SG.
Simmons – If Simmons slips to thirteen, the Sixers should consider taking him. Similar to Williams, Simmons should be a force in two years when Webber’s contract ends.
Collins – Collins is a tall PG as well as a good defender. However, there are countless quality young point guards in the league, and there should be about seven more drafted in the first round. The Sixers should take a player at the position that is harder to fill which is power forward.
O’Bryant – O’Bryant is a center, which is a position the Sixers do not need. O’Bryant should be off the board before the Sixers select at thirteen.
NBA Playoff Trivia Question: What former NBA player suited up for each of the final four NBA playoff teams, the Suns, the Mavericks, the Pistons and the Heat?
Send replies to sixerdave@yahoo.com. The answer will appear in the next column. |
