Draft combine: Sizing it up
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Draft combine: Sizing it up
The NBA Draft combine in Chicago is well underway and it makes sense now to re-evaluate potential prospects. The combine doesn't include live playing, 5-on-5, but it does include drills and physical measurements and the interview process. So in that way it gives us a head start on weeding out who might be on the 76ers' draft board and who might not.
The Sixers brass of president Rod Thorn, general manager Ed Stefanski, coach Doug Collins, and assistant general managers & player personnel guys Tony DiLeo and Courtney Witte are all in Chicago to help with the draft evaluation. The Sixers, when all is said and done, will interview 18 players while in Chicago. Considering how important team chemistry and cohesion are to this specific franchise (that's just the kind of coach Collins is), the interview process, in which Collins participated, is relatively important.
The 2011 NBA Draft, which will be held June 23, is considered a weak draft. Light on point guards and centers, but heavy on power forwards. In past seasons, the Sixers have drafted the best available player, regardless of position, but in a weak draft most experts predict that teams will lean more toward drafting for need. The Sixers don't need a point guard and they don't need a small forward. They need either a bruising big man or a center.
The Sixers are expected to start bringing in players to PCOM for workouts beginning around June 1. What follows is a list of potential draft picks (Sixers select at No. 16) and each pick's updated information if he's gone through the combine's measurement process. Each of these potential draft picks has landed as the Sixers' selection on somebody's mock draft board (ESPN, NBA.com, etc.).
1. Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas. During his days at Texas, Thompson was listed as 6-foot-8 and it seemed like some NBA execs were concerned about his ability to play the power forward in the NBA. On Thursday, Thompson measured in at 6-9 without sneakers. Some folks think he has moved himself higher in the draft, possibly into the lottery, but he's an option for the Sixers at No. 16.
2. Bismack Biyombo, PF, Congo. Yes, believe it or not, one mock draft has Bismack dropping to the Sixers' spot at No. 16. Realistically, most mock drafts have him as a lottery pick, but Jrue Holiday was also expected to be a lottery selection during the 2009 NBA Draft. Bismack will be measured in later today, haven't yet seen the results from here in Chicago, but here are the most recent measurements: 243 pounds, only 4.3 percent body fat, 6'7.75'' without shoes, 6-9 with shoes, 7-7 wing span, 9-3 standing reach. And there's this quote, which would probably make Sixers' fans happy since this team could use some of this attitude: "There is nothing and no one scares me in the NBA."
3. Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas. Most mock drafts have his brother, Marcus, going higher, but more than one mock draft have the Sixers selecting Morris with the No. 16 pick. Morris just measured in at the combine, here were his numbers: 6'7.75'' in socks, 6'9.25'' in shoes, 6'10.75'' wingspan. Here's this rough interview with Markieff from the combine: Morris interview.
4. Donatas Motiejunas, C, Lithuania. This guy is a legitimate 7-footer, but he could very easily be a lottery selection. He has yet to measure in at the Chicago combine. ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford has Motiejunas as the No. 17 overall prospect, but considering how rare legitimate centers are (size-wise, anyway), that means very little and Motiejunas could go as high as No. 8, or fall to the Sixers at No. 16.
5. Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State. I couldn't find any of the major mock drafts predicting the Sixers would select Farried, but it's not a ridiculous notion since some of the mock drafts have him going in the No. 15 spot. Also, I've recevied more emails about Faried than perhaps any other potential draft pick (save Enes Kantner). Seems like Sixers fans really like the way he rebounds and hustles and most feel he could be a perfect complement to the Sixers' current roster. Faried measured in at the Chicago combine earlier today and his numbers surprised some people: just 6-6 in socks, 6'7.5'' in shoes, but with a 7-foot wingspan and 9-foot standing reach. Morehead State had him listed as 6-8, so some were surprised that he's actually just 6-6 in socks. Even so, it seems Faried's stock is rising after his performance at the combine because of his "constant motor."
6. Enes Kantner, C, Turkey/Kentucky. This guy has absolutely moved himself into the top of the draft order after his performance at the combine, but we thought we'd include him because he might be the only legitimate big man/center in this year's draft and we wanted to update everyone on his performance. Here in Chicago, he measured 6'9.75" in socks, 6'11.25" in shoes, with a 7'1.5" wingspan, and 9'1.5" standing reach. Word out of Chicago is that Kantner has impressed the NBA brass.
We know some of this stuff is overlapping earlier posts, but people seem to want to talk about the NBA Draft and discuss which player might be the best fit for the Sixers. If you want to follow on Twitter, you can do that here: Deep Sixer. Also, we'll be holding a Live Chat at 1 p.m. here on Philly.com, you can join that here: Live Chat.
--Kate
Each week, Kate will check in from the road and answer fan questions about the Sixers. Click here to ask Kate a question or e-mail her at kfagan@phillynews.com.
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Get the best big man available. Move-up if you have to. And, include him in a package to Orlando for Dwight Howard before the season starts.— Dave in Cincy- Who cares that Bismack Biyombo isn't afraid of anyone in the NBA, proves NOTHING! NOBODY in the NBA is afraid of you for sure so what now? Another tweener, NEXT!— twpman
- im watching the combine, big man is the need by far. sixers package there 16th pick and speights or iggy and move up to grab clevalands number 4 pick. draft kanter.— RALPH_LAUREN
- Don't draft a project. Don't draft size either. I'm still burned over the Shawn Bradley incident. Get a legitimate rebounder. Someone who plays defense and rebounds.— Vote for Dickie
- UMMMM...
that would be KANTER!
euro big men perform, it's a fact.— RALPH_LAUREN - that 4th pick looks sweet...go get it Ed..do something..you messed up last year with all the holes in our lineup...make amends or else.— lewisbratspis
Euro big men perform? There have been a few that have but let's not get carried away. I would rather package the pick with Speights or Brackins and get a proven commodity. Dave has a nice plan except Howard said in an article in the middle of the season if he doesn't stay in Orlando then it's either NY or LA. I want Javale McGee.- BigVil: why would the Wizards trade McGee; as Kate Fagan has pointed out previously, NBA teams do NOT trade bigs, except for other bigs of equal or greater skills, and Speights and Brackins do not quality.— chuckw
- Hey Chuck. If Washington adds a center at 6 I would at least look in to the possibility of acquiring McGee. Maybe someone slides down unexpectedly and the Wizard don't think they can get him at 18. Something stupid or crazy always happens. Let's be prepare to make a move if something does happen. I'm not a talent evaluator but I know no one wants Speights or Brackins. It's just to make the money work if McGee is available
- really Chuck you asked her that LOL. We all know NBA players add an inch and a half to their actual height.
- In watching the NBA playoffs, the teams that are still involved have alot of height and play really good interior defense. Attention to Thorn and Stefanski....cant continue to use Brand as a center for major minutes and win against the top teams. Hawes is strictly a backup and does not have the athletic ability to be a lane clogging defender. Do what it takes to get bigger and tougher inside...Trade Iggy and get a small forward who can shoot from the outside.. The team is good enough to be a 500 team but cant go much farther with the current personnel setup.— bradco
- i agree with first post. much easier to assemble a quality bench then actually getting player with actual star potential.— fishtown charlie
- aside: what is the deal with poor draft reporting? (not fagan!). the shawn bradley reference above made me think of this.
remember how they said he is 7'6" AND can shoot the 3! he won a 3 point shooting contest! turns out the contest was in his driveway with his dad and little brother.
even turner is an NBA ready shooting guard. well, not only was he not NBA ready, but he ISN'T a shooting guard.— fishtown charlie - @BigVil I live near DC and I watch all of the Wizards games and Javale McGee is highly overrated he looks great on the highlight shows but in the actual games he disappears at times and although Javale is very athletic Hawes has more skill and a higher basket ball iq. What I'd rather the Sixers try to do is go after Al Jefferson who has an opt out or look at some of the young bigs in the draft no stars but serviceable.— tdove1
- I hear you Tdove1. Al Jefferson would be nice to have but we would still need a shot blocker. McGee would do what Dalembert was supposed to do without the DIVA mentallity. I would use McGee and Hawes at the same time.
- BigVil: had to ask her about Turner's height, as Combo keeps insisting he is only 6:4 on the court.— chuckw
- LOL they are all shorter. Iverson was listed at 6'1" and 6'. I'm actually list at 5"10 on the street.
- Wow, check out the wingspan disparity between Biyombo and Morris. Both are around 6'9 with shoes on, but Biyombo's wingspan is like ten inches greater. Doubt we'll get him though. As for that quote, typical rookie cockiness. But he can be an asset.— enkiel
- BigVil: actually the first post (which did not make it) asked about the Sixers going after Javale McGee, but I guess she will deal with that in the series that begins on Sunday.— chuckw
- With GM Ed Stefanski still around, I'M on the Sixers' draft board, and I stink.— Don Cornelius
- Kate - They really need more defense, rebounding and intangibles on the court. Seriously. Maybe one more person that can be consistant hitting from 20 or so out. They may not have the best shooters ,but they do have individuals that are scorers. Remember McKie and T. Hill and George Lynch - all role players. They need that and a little bit of talent rolled up into one player that brings it on the defensive end - Battier, Artest, Bruce Bowen-like defense.
Whomever gives them the best chance at adding to their rebounding and defense is who I want for next year...— michael2_19030 - Great reporting as usual, Kate!— petergou
Here we go draft Morris and trade Marreese Speights for Reggie Evans a true briser in the paint. I like the Al Jefferson idea too.- Jefferson had a career year blocking shots but I see hm more as a replacement for Brand. This off season has to be about getting a shot blocker/ rebounder. Everything else is secondary
- And also on the Al Jefferson subjcet the Jazz started to phaze him out last year after the Williams trade and he and his coach had a few run ins over playing time late in games so the Sixers front office may be able to swoop in and get him in a sign and trade for players and picks.— tdove1
- I like Al Jefferson if I could move Brand for him that would be great we probably have to give up our pick as well. But still what other options are there as a shot blocker. Maybe trade with Sacramento for Whiteside or hope Benson is there when we pick in the second round
- yeah, I mean, Big Al's a great PF, he'd be better @ center in the East, but like BigVil implies, he's HORRIBLE on defense. He's the best offensive big man in the league, he loves to score, but also loves to see the opposing team score as well. If we get Jefferson, we'd need a Tyson Chandler type to play as his eraser, and shore up some more rebounds.— BlackFeet01
- Let me clarify. Big Al's the best offensive big in the low post.— BlackFeet01
No one scares him?? "Bismack" sounds close enough to "Big Mac" that he should be very afraid of Shaq trying to eat him by the dozen.- The Sixers need the NBA on its side. They don't have that. So, they won't get a good player. Plain and simple. The NBA is fixed. Cavs fans feel disafected by the whole LeBron thing... So.. The powers that be in the NBA let them get the first overall pick. Lottery rigged.— GigantiSP
- Thats the difference between a team thats in the NBA and David Stern's favor and one that is just a role player in the league. Never used to be that way. But it appears that way now...— GigantiSP
- Since everyone's talking about trading w/the Jazz. How about we let them keep Jefferson at center and we trade for that 3rd pick. My spidey-sense tells me Kanter is a real NBA center. They may lose Kirilinko to free agency which leaves them with CJ Miles and a young unproven Gordon Hayward at sf. We could give them Iggy and our pick for their pick and whoever.— mtairy1
- Looking at their roster from a financial angle I don't think that will work unless other teams are involved
- I liked what I saw of Donatas Motiejunas, and he may be there when they pick and unless by some chance Thompson falls he may be the best option. He has more then just size he's got some offensive game from the tape I saw. He looked a bit lazy or like he was trying to do too much but even if he does or doesn't blossom into an All-Star in the NBA I think he could refine that offensive game and be effective and a legit center and a number 3/4 option on offense.— allrightknight
- The best thing that could happen for the Sixers would be to see Jordan Hamilton slide to 16. But if that doesn't happen they could do well to get JaJuan Johnson or Marshon Brooks.— T-Money
- If kaman jordan bogut mcgee are not available 9 stays. Any other scenario we are basically giving him away. Ummmm. That's not an option. An iguodala j.r. Smith pairing would be nice. What would that take? Lou and turner?? Smith is on d wades level... In some cases better or at least more athletic. Everytime the nuggets and heat get together I WATCH THAT GAME! It's the same story. SMITH! DOMINATES! WADE! It's not even close. Denver has a 15 point deficit. Smith comes in matched up on wade. That lead disappeared courtesy of smith killing wade AND James on the switch. At least call Denver. Turner Lou and the pick should do it. Or if they want cap space the pick noc turner or Lou. Trade the pick. For smith or trade up for Williams. Bulk him up and start him at the 5. Kanter..??? Man.. He can run and has 1!!!!!! GOOD! jump. Not that 2nd 3rd or 4th jump. When rebounding how many times do you grab the board on the first jump? big body. 9 to Minnesota? I don't know about that.. They just eat the contract for us but I want a player. And they don't have it. I would give darko a shot but darko is not enough value in that deal. Denver's loaded. I would take anybody on that roster with exception of Felton.. Raymonds garbage.. Nene. I like him. BUT! he's not efficient on the block.. And that's what we need. Next to brand.— combocancer1975
- I emailed Kate this, but I would love to sign Sean Williams - formerly of the Nets. He would add more than any of the potential draft picks. He's still only mid-20's, made some mistakes, but would be a great addition to this team.— 7mel11
- biyombo if he is there take him immediately your rebounding shot blocking and team speeds rises he is only 6'9 with wingspan of a 7'7 ft person, still needs work he is 19-20yrs. as for hog man hawes who has no business even being in the league just don't sign him let this lead footed doofus GO"— only 9
- the pick is useless...this draft sucks. unload the pick for a veteran who can rebound off the bench. turner's development is the key. he needs to step up and be a legitimate #2 pick. i personally think he is legit. his work ethic will take him to the next level as it did at ohio state. he will be a brandon roy clone next season. that alone will make the sixers a better team.
the number one priority for this team is to unload iggy. where though is the million dollar question. his talents only fit in a few places and it is uncertain what you'll get in return. his presence stunts turner's growth.— mdriban - video is often misleading but Bismack absolutely jumps out at me when i see footage from the Nike hoop summit when he played against the USA under19 team.
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/bismack-biyombo
Totally different level of competition but i think they atleast compared to a good college team and Biyombo (at 18) completely dominated. I have a vibe about this player i haven't had since seeing Brian Westbrook play at Villanova. I knew he was gonna be a star in the NFL...and i think Biyombo at the very least will excel as a rebounder, and a fast, physical, shot-blocking defender in the NBA. Watch the video and see how high he gets above the rim (and how quickly). He is almost comically raw...but at the same time he doesn't look hopelessly lost like Dalembert or Speights do. And his attitude seems perfect. Mentioned in his scouting report as having a "mature, positive, intelligent demeanor"...he also has a tenacious fearlessness. The quote: "There is nothing and no one scares me in the NBA." ---in context is more like a statement from a respectful kid who relishes the battleground. Watch him play and you'll see what he means by the statement.
— murdock101 - Bismack B. or bust.— Rick Wise Guy
- CTFU@blk feet saying Al jeff likes to score but likes to watch the other team score as well, that's hilarious.
Combo cancer, while i respect the opinions of everyone on this site, whatever you're puffin is giving you a combo-cancer for even thinking J.R. smith is better than Dwade..Every allstar in this league has a bad game and i'm psotive like the virus that casuses A.I.D.s, wade just had a bad game against him that time. But c'mon let's be serious, smith is athletic and had a few serious highlights but the only thing i think he's better than wade in is a dunk contest(if that)
Thank you@ only 9. I'm confused at what footage people have been watchin of spencer hawes. The guy is terrible. i don't expect him to be gasol but dude c'mon! he'll be right under the rim and refuses to dunk it! garbage let him walk and save the money. or use it to get a real player like reggie apeman evans. there are guys you can pay the MLE for that are better than hawes.
Can people please stop asking for howard? you already have a howard in this city and he plays for the phillies. D12 is a follower and will do what his peers did and sign to a team with stars so please have some pride/diginity and stop making our city look desperate.
i dind't see anything from kanter to impress me. he's not intimidating and looks like he prefers laying the ball in instead of being aggressive. Kids in the projects of philly would eat his lunch. The kid kenneth faried looks like a shorter ben wallace. if iggy is dealt, i'd definately have him to back up thad. wish we could get him and bismo "smack"..that's some serious rebounding coming off the bench.— Mack of the Pack - Hawes is perfectly adequate center, with passing skills and a bit of an outside shot. He's better than Sammy, overall, if not as dominant on defense. No sense deriding him -- no one ever hyped him up. Support the man if they bring him back and let's see him develop -- he's still really young.— Leegles
No Hope this yr 4 Sixers— Kevinmac- Leegles I hope you're right. As i said before, if i may use a mainstream music analogy, bow wow is still really young and i don't see him becoming JZ anytime soon or at all to be honest.
Hawes would be my #2 center on my college team. In a different reality with Sammy D as our center, i can guarantee we would have been better defensively, gotten more boarsd and possibly won more games. i'm not saying Dalembert is Dwight Howard because he's far from it, but i don't need my center to pass and shoot outside shots unless it's bringing the opposing team's big man away from the rim. Teams didn't fall for that because spencer is inconsistent.
We need someone who's going to make people think twice before coming into the lane and at least gives an effort to foul..not flagrant but ya know..hawes just doesn't do it for me. everybody talks about iggy but this guy is the weakiest link. Brand probably bodies him at practice.
Let's just call a spade a spade, dude has been in the league and was taken before thad in the same draft, in the west at that. He should be better than this, i wish people take the scales off of their eyes and stop making excuses for him.— Mack of the Pack
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
