Perfect fit for Sixers is player they are unlikely to get
So who is the best choice besides Markelle Fultz?
A lot of us were caught up, and some still are.
The overwhelming belief was the 76ers had a great night once they received the third overall pick at Tuesday's NBA draft lottery.
Sixers managing owner Josh Harris and team president of basketball operation Bryan Colangelo both displayed elation. And Sixers fans at viewing parties praised former president and general manager Sam Hinkie for making it all possible.
But very few people talked about the Sixers' possibly being denied the perfect match in Markelle Fultz by finishing third. The University of Washington point guard is the only draft prospect who doesn't raise any questions when it comes to playing alongside Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
That wasn't the topic of discussion.
People were caught up with how Hinkie's smart thinking ultimately cost the Sacramento Kings. He suckered the Kings into throwing a pick swap into the 2015 trade the teams made that brought Nik Stauskas to the Sixers. If not for that swap, the Sixers would have had to settle for selecting fifth overall in the June 22 draft.
So, as expected, folks - including yours truly - considered it a great night for the Sixers. Never mind that the Los Angeles Lakers were able to retain their pick for the third consecutive season by finishing second in as many years. The pick would have gone to the Sixers if it dropped out of the top three. The pick transfers to an unprotected first-rounder next season.
For now, the Sixers have the third pick in this draft instead of the best-case scenario of first and fourth.
Kansas swingman Josh Jackson, Kentucky point guard De'Aaron Fox, Duke small forward Jayson Tatum, Florida State small forward/power forward Jonathan Isaac, N.C. State point guard Dennis Smith Jr., and Kentucky shooting guard Malik Monk are players the Sixers could consider at No. 3.
Most mock drafts have them taking Jackson. One can make a strong argument that he's the best option at No. 3 from the group listed.
It's easy to fall in love with the 6-foot-8, 205-pounder while watching highlights from his lone season as a Jayhawk. He has size, athleticism, stellar defense, strength, quickness, and solid passing ability. Jackson has the potential to become a standout NBA player.
The thing he doesn't have is the consistent shooting ability to create space so Embiid and Simmons can operate. And his poor foul shooting (56.6 percent)might make him a liability on the floor in late-game situations.
With a lot of work, the Sixers' player development personnel could help him improve. For the time being, though, he's going to struggle in those areas.
Tatum's shooting needs to improve. His lack of great foot speed might lock him in at small forward unless the Sixers go small ball. In that situation, he would move to power forward. But in a traditional setting, Tatum wouldn't be a good fit at shooting guard. As a result, Robert Covington would probably have to slide to shooting guard if he and Tatum are paired.
Isaac might have the most potential of the six. At 6-10 and 210 pounds with a 7-1 1/4 wingspan, some are comparing him to a baby Kevin Durant. He struggles, however, against physical play and doesn't really have a defined position.
Fox has the potential to be a great point guard. He has drawn comparisons to Washington Wizards all-star John Wall for his quickness. But Fox would have to play off the ball in the Sixers system, which will showcase Simmons as the point guard. That's a major problem for the ball-dominant prospect who struggles to make shots.
Smith is another point guard who needs to improve his outside shooting. So, as with Fox, there are legitimate concerns about pairing him with Simmons.
Arguably the best shooter in the draft class, Monk would fit in nicely with Simmons. The Sixers need players capable of stretching defenses and creating space by consistently knocking down long-range shots. Monk is that guy. He's also more athletic than he is given credit for.
However, Monk is a bit undersize for a shooting guard at 6-3. And drafting him at third overall might be a reach. So the Sixers might have been better off keeping the fifth pick if he's someone they really indentified as a target.
Fultz, meanwhile, is the perfect fit.
The Upper Marlboro, Md., native is extremely versatile. He can score and create opportunities for others. His first step is deceptive, he's shifty, changes direction with ease, and is an exceptional ball handler. Fultz also can pull up and shoot the three-pointer. He made 41.3 percent of his shots from the college three-point range. And he can slide off the ball and be a solid addition next to Simmons.
The only problem is Fultz is expected to go first overall regardless of whether the Boston Celtics select him there or trade the pick. The Lakers are expected to take point guard Lonzo Ball second.
The Sixers could offer the Celtics a combination that includes reserve center Jahlil Okafor and draft picks in an attempt to trade up to select Fultz. However, that might not be enticing enough for the Celtics to part ways with the coveted player.
So when you think about it, acquiring the third pick isn't as wonderful as it was initially made out to be.
@PompeyOnSixers