Josh Hart sees interest from NBA teams at draft combine
The former Villanova star has not talked to the Sixers yet. Hes selling himself as a seasoned, four-year college player.
CHICAGO - Folks in Philadelphia want to know if Josh Hart is on the 76ers' radar for the June 22 NBA draft.
The Villanova swingman could be an option in the second round, where the Sixers have four picks.
"I haven't met with them yet," Hart said of the Sixers on Thursday at the NBA draft combine. "I don't think I have a workout with them at all. People have been tweeting all the time about me and the Sixers.
"But as of right now, I haven't really heard anything about that."
The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder did meet with the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, and Detroit Pistons. He is scheduled to meet with the Phoenix Suns, among others, on Friday.
This is Hart's second stint at the combine. Last year, he took part in the testing, measurements, on-court activities and team interviews here. He did not hire an agent and ultimately decided it was in his best interests to return to Villanova for his senior season. Hart chose not to take part in this year's five-on-five scrimmages.
"That year was more maturity, mentally and physically," he said of the benefits of staying his senior season.
Hart named Milwaukee Bucks point guard Malcolm Brogdon, a former Virginia star, as someone who had success after playing four seasons in college. Brogdon, Sixers power forward Dario Saric and center Joel Embiid are the front-runners to win rookie of the year.
But it's rare to see an NBA prospect stay in college for four seasons.
"When you have four-year guys definitely like Malcolm, who had a heck of a year, I'm rooting for him," Hart said. "When you come from great spots like Virginia and Villanova, when you come from programs like that, you know how to play basketball."
Some top American prospects apply for the draft after their freshman season. If not, they usually don't stay in school past their junior season.
As a result, a lot of players are drafted on potential - not what they can do for an NBA team at the time they are drafted.
"You've got Malcolm, you are able to go in and make an impact right away," Hart said. "That's a lot of four-year guys. You don't need to be groomed . . . It's about making an impact right away."
That's what he wants to do for a team next season.
Hart refers to himself as a basketball player as opposed to being destined for one certain position. He thinks he can guard the one through four spots on defense.
This past season, Hart received the Julius Erving Award, which honors the nation's top small forward. The 22-year-old was also a consensus first-team all-American along with being named the Big East and Big Five player of the year.
Hart ended his college career as the only Villanova player to record 1,921 points, 812 rebounds, 266 assists, and 161 steals.
"He just does all the things that it takes to win," said 'Nova assistant Ashley Howard, who is at the combine.
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