The clock is ticking. Word is there are no more workouts coming so the Sixers brass should be in the tank finalizing their draft board and closely monitoring and engaging in trade talk. It’s on you now. Who would you pick? If you’re still unsure check out the 2009 Sixers Draft Analysis post and comments.
Also, if there is a player likely to be available with the 17th pick who is not on this list that you want don’t vote, leave a comment and I will add their name so you can select them.
When you make your pick let’s us know why in the comments.
Of the players likely available at pick 17, Who Should the Sixers Draft with There Pick?
- Ty Lawson (63%, 67 Votes)
- Brandon Jennings (13%, 14 Votes)
- Eric Maynor (9%, 10 Votes)
- Wayne Ellington (5%, 5 Votes)
- Terence Wiliams (4%, 4 Votes)
- Gerald Henderson (4%, 4 Votes)
- Jeff Teague (3%, 3 Votes)
- Darren Collison (-1%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 107
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{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
My opinion for Sixers draft board:
1. Ty Lawson
2. Brandon Jennings
3. Wayne Ellington
4. Eric Mayner
5. Jeff Teague
Why Ty: Best PG at running the fast break in the draft, period. Defense is otherworldy. His shot has dramatically improved and should continue to do so. Great fit for our team, since we desperately need a PG that: has good defense, excels in the open court, and can hit a 3. Ignoring Rubio, who I honestly have no clue about since I havent seen him play…IMO Flynn is the best PG in this draft, followed by Lawson. Flynn will be gone, thus Lawson is the obvious pick, and a wonderful fit for our team.
Why B Jennings: Now im not exactly Mr. “lets draft on potential”…quite the opposite. People have heard me go on about how I think Tyreke Evans is a ballhogging, shoot first guy that has no idea how to play PG; that J Holiday is completely unproven; ditto for Mullins; D Derozen is all athlete, doesnt know the game yet, and is not ready for the NBA. Those four guys should be late 1st round picks as far as I’m concerned. I tend to go for what Ive seen as opposed to potential.
However at #17, this is an ok place to take a gamble on someone, and if there is one guy in this draft worthy of gambling on, it is Brandon Jennings. Like others, I have only seen him play from clips of games from his Italian team, and word of mouth and analysis from scouts, GMs and columnists. He seems to have (dreaded word!) potential to be a monster combo guard that could someday start in the NBA. Everyone seems agreed that his ball handling, first step and quickness is off the chart, and that he has a very good outside shot that is rapidly improving. He seems to have that alpha dog confidence about him, a great trait, works at his game, and I think playing with actual pros (with high bball IQ’s, which most in Europe have in abundance) in Italy cannot be overstated. Very, very intriguing player.
Why Wayne Ellington: Our foremost need is a PG. Yet for me, it’s important that we not draft a backup, but only one that is capable of being a future starter. If Lawson is out of the picture, the ONLY other guy capable of that (aside from Jennings, who most likely will be gone) is Mayner, and to be honest I’m not positive he’s an NBA starter. Think he COULD be, but I’d rather take Ellington to shore up our bench, and who has loads of talent, that comes from a great basketball tradition like UNC. We all know about Ellington’s silky smooth shot; undertalked about is his improved passing, defense, and especially a surprising ability to score when he has the ball in the high post or the block on smaller guards. If we are talking about a SG coming off the bench as opposed to PG, he’s the automatic pick as far as I’m concerned.
***Guys I want no part of, and people I feel are WAY overrated that will likely go lottery or 1st round:
-Hasheem Thabeet
-Tyreke Evans
-D Derozen
-Jrue Holiday
-BJ Mullins
-Gerald Henderson
-Austin Daye
***Guys that are underrated, underhyped, and have chances to blossom anywhere from stars, solid productive players, or very good role players:
-Jonny Flynn (should be considered worthy of a 4-7 pick)
-Jordan Hill (the best big man in this draft (specifically, not Thabeet)
-Earl Clark (biggest risk/reward of draft)
-Terence Williams (defense/versatility are ridiculous)
-Ty Lawson (should be considered in 5-10 spots, god only knows why he isn’t)
-DeJuan Blair
-James Johnson (will be able to play backup PF, and has shown flashes of being able to slide to the SF spot)
-Sam Young (one of best work ethics around, has REALLY worked on his shot and improved ball handling…crafty, savvy college vet)
-Jeryl McNeal (should be a top 20 pick)
-Tony Douglas
-Josh Heyltfelt
-Dionte Christmas (total steal)
-AJ Price (did the earth swallow him whole? Why does no one talk about him anymore?)
-Wesley Matthews
-Lester Hudson (not just a guy that scores big in a small conference…he has NBA game)
(p.s.: Also would add Jodie Meeks and Jeff Adrien to the “underhyped guys that can contribute list)
NBA breaking news, Hawks-Warriors trade:
Atlanta gets: Jamal Crawford
Warriors get: Acie Law, Speedy Claxton
If Atlanta resigns Bibbly, they just sold a packet of peanuts for a huge scoring option and instant offense off the bench.
Dave, I think the Sixers like all five of your guys. And Meeks shot the ball well here. Wouldn’t say he’s likely at 17, but would be if they get a later pick.
Who do/can they resign? They have not only Bibby as a free agent, but Marvin Williams and Pachulia as well.
Sounds like USA Basketball will release its 24-man mini-camp roster tomorrow. Iguodala and Young is on it and, apparently, so is Korver.
Dave T-
you’d better do a mock draft!
all others -
ditto
Do not let Ty slip past 17 to the Blazers!
Dannie: With the Hawks, I’m sure either one of Pachulia or Marvin Williams has to be let go or sign-traded. I can’t see how not bringing Bibby back would help them, no way they want Jamal “I should shoot 40 shots a night” Crawford running the PG.
Their two options seem to be:
-Resign Bibby and Pachulia – put Zaza as the starting center, slide Al Horford to PF, Josh Smith stays the 3, Crawford is your new offensive bombshell from the bench teamed with Mo Evans and Flip. Sign-trade Marvin for smaller bench pieces to bolster the frontcourt.
-Resign Bibby and Marvin – Marvin starts at 3, Josh Smith at 4, Horford 5. Still have the Crawford/Evans/Flip backcourt off the bench, which is VERY good. Let Zaza walk…pray that DeJuan Blair falls as with Smith at 4, theyd need a bulldog like him to backup the PF spot. Hansbrough would work as well. I also think Randolph Morris would be ready for 15 mpg and could be ready to contribute.
They could also go the route of:
PG: Bibby, SG: J Johnson, SF: Crawford, PF: J Smith, C: Horford.
And resign Zaza to come off the bench, let Marvin walk, and either draft a backup SF like Sam Young for depth, or Hansbrough at PF for depth.
Flip is an unrestricted free agent as well.
And it would be Joe Johnson at SF and Crawford at SG. No way in the world Crawford can play SF.
From Chad Ford:
A comment from Smallwood today sounded like Meeks impressed the Sixers in his workout. Could he be our D.Jordan this year?
Suede: Count me aboard the Meeks train…this guy is a polished offensive player that scores efficiently, and shoots well from everywhere on the floor. He has a nice shot selection, and proved he has the ability to really take over games last year against legitimate competition. His obvious weakness is that he is JUST that: an effective scorer, pretty one dimensional, and doesn’t have great handle or passing ability. But he knows how to create space for his own shot, and can hit it contested with a hand in his face.
If we draft Lawson/Jennings/Mayner as a PG at #17, I’d put the following as who I’d think would be the best fit for 2nd round selections…where basically our needs are a backup SG/SF that can shoot, a Lou Williams replacement as backup combo guard, and a backup C:
-Jeryl McNeal
-Dionte Christmas
-Jodie Meeks
-Tony Douglas
-Josh Heytfelt
-Lester Hudson
Meeks vs. Christmas is an interesting debate. Meeks is by far the better shooter and really just shocked me last year with how comfortable he looked “being the man” at Kentucky when Patterson went down or was inconsistent. Yet Christmas is MUCH more versatile, plays great defense, and has a sense of grit and toughness I dont think Meeks has yet.
Of course, since we dont have a 2nd round pick, none of this matters…which is why I’d be all about trying to move Lou Williams or Willie Green, or cash, future picks…to get a late 1st rounder or early 2nd rounder in this draft, since we could fill a lot of needs.
I am very curious why they didn’t do that deal. To me the deal is better by not swapping picks rather getting their 40th pick and hoping to get lucky with Ellington or Green falling there. Get a point at 17 and shooting guard at 40.
I am really wondering if them turning it down has to do with increase in salary that puts them closer/over the luxury tax if they indeed really want to resign Andre Miller.
Read you guys everyday, very informative,also entertaining at times,its has a good mix. Just want to say, Stafansky needs to get a second pick in this draft no excuses.
Dannie: What #40 pick are you referring to…I thought we have no 2nd round pick this year? Was that a part of the proposed Charlotte deal I didnt see, we’d get a #12 and #40?
I think they would seriously consider Meeks if he’s available early in the second round and can get a pick (long as No. 17 is a PG).
For me, Lawson and Jennings are a toss-up. I think both can be potential one of the best, if not the best, player in this draft. Jennings might have a higher ceiling, but Lawson certainly has a higher floor right now. I voted for Jennings because I have a hard time passing on that level of pure talent, especially one who made the best of a difficult situation in Europe and kept working.
Terence Williams on Dionte Christmas, after being asked which fellow prospect impressed him the most:
“If I have to pick just one guy though, I would say Dionte Christmas. Here’s a guy that might not get drafted in the first round, but he brings it every workout that he’s in. He did nineteen, so I give him a shout out because he plays so hard.”
Nice shout out Terence!
johnnylaptop-
K.Fagen said Miller is looking for 30 mill. over 3 years, I hope we pass but I will miss him.
Dannie, we may have to get to #12 to guarentee Lawson but if we move up does that mean no later picks?
Suede: Thanks for the info! I’d be perfectly fine NOT giving that money to A-Miller though. That’s too high an asking price, even with all he’s done. I get from his end why he’s asking…he’s been THE piece to keep us affloat, has been a steady vet presence, and is right in that he probably has 2-3 good years left in the tank…plus he probably feels he deserves a payraise from his very moderate contract he’s been on given his nice play with us.
But with the economy and crazy NBA trade market this offseason…why give him that? A lot of players will probably be taking paycuts this offseason with owners looking to cut payroll. And honestly…who would we be bidding against, exactly? What other team would possibly give 3 years, $30 million to A-Miller?
The only teams that would be interested in A-Miller’s services at all, as a starter, would be Portland and Miami…and possibly even the Lakers, although that would be a real long shot. There are literally no other teams in the NBA close to contention, in the top 10 teams in the league that need a vet point, and the up and coming teams are already secure with young guys. Aka: NO OTHER TEAM would possibly pay him $30 million.
…and if that’s true…there is no reason for us to either. Hate to say this given all A-Miller has done for us…but this is a business. If that is A-Miller’s asking price and I’m Ed Stefanski, I play hardball with A-Miller until his asking price is at a more reasonable level, in the 3 year, $24-25 million range.
p.s: Draftexpress.com is doing an GREAT job with their coverage…they have an ongoing draft-blog that is updated every two hours. Most recent reports:
Memphis set on Thabeet at #2. Okl. set on Rubio at #3. Kings choosing between Flynn and Evans at #4, leaning towards Flynn. Harden-Curry to Minnesota at 5-6. G-State really liking Jordan Hill at #7, Tyreke Evans falling to NYC at #8.
They also mention a deal that makes a lot of sense: Okl. City swapping the #3 for a re-signed David Lee. Okl. gets a long needed PF that can rebound, score, and play a transition game…NYC would get Rubio and probably take Jordan Hill if still around. I don’t quite get how that works financially, but it is something that at least makes sense. Although I cant see Presti letting go of that #3.
I just can”t stop thinking how well we played last year with Miller at point guard many many nights. When he was off his game we usually lost. He was a real asset. You can say his defense is not great,but most players have faults. He knows the players on this team, he knows how to get players involved. He knows what make these players tick. He has chemistry with this team. I believe adding a new coach, adding Kapono, drafting a perimiter shooter and a tough defensive player plus picking up say, Parker. I would like to see Miller back with this improved team and a young point guard to learn from him. If not I feel we will have a much bigger learning curve, the ride will be bumpyer.
laptop, I like that situation as well. I think Miller was a great player for us and probably was the most underrated point guard in the Conference last year. If he doesn’t resign I (and I’m sure most of you will) will miss him greatly. But it all depends on how competitive the Sixers will be with a healthy EB, Thad and Dala in their primes, and hopefully a Center who isn’t a moron. If we can compete for a championship in the next 3-4 years than we resign Miller. If not (as sad as it is) we will have to let him walk.
RealGM reporting the Wizards are looking to possibly move their early 2nd round pick:
http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60058/20090625/wizards_consider_dealing_32nd_pick_as_well/
Since this IS realgm and they only mention “a source”, should obviously be taken with a huge grain of salt. But that said, there could not be a more perfect pick for us to grab. It would allow us to take a great 2nd player like Jodie Meeks, Dionte Christmas, Jeryl McNeal, Danny Green, etc…and would really fill a need as another backup SG/SF that can really score and shoot (Meeks, Christmas, McNeal) and/or play defense (McNeal, Christmas, Green), or bring some versatility and veteran savvy and bball IQ (McNeal, Green). Man the 32nd would be perfect for our needs and who would be available.
Walter Herrmann: Detroit is letting him walk. I’ve always liked his skill set, and that would certainly be a decent little pickup for the veteran minimum to fill out our roster. Tough, hard nosed player; an above average 3 point stroke (when he gets minutes, he’s proven he can hit it), very good rebounder, great passer, fundamentally sound player.
As Herrmann can swing between the 3 and 4 positions…not exactly an enormous need there since we have Thad, Brand, and Speights already. But as a 13th or 14th man, you couldn’t ask for a much better talent at $1 million per. I was always very surprised Charlotte gave him up so easily, and unfortunately, Walter was always buried on Detroit’s bench amongst a plethora of forwards (‘Sheed, McDyess, Maxiel, A. Johnson, and last year Kwame Brown) and never really got the 15 mpg he deserved.
If Lawson and Jennings are off the board I would inquire about Sac.!s 23 and 31 for our 17 pick. Sac. is attempting to get 15 from Det. according to Draftexpress with their 2 picks. Maynor may still be there at 23 and getting him and Ellington would be a good night. Worst case [Douglas,Collison] and Ellington and get a vet. p.g.
Another scenerio, trade 17 and Willie for 22 and Blake and draft Maynor or Collison at 22. If Portland is targeting somebody they may bite but only if Jennings and Lawson are gone. I think a Blake/Collison tandem as our p.g.!s next year would work.
Maynor might still be there at 23, not a guarantee.
Ford has Lawson now going at 13 and us back to taking Maynor.
Suede: If it turns out that Lawson’s gonna be gone before #17, I’d love to see your scenario – #17/Willie for #22/Blake – become a reality.
i’d love to see lawson go 13 to indiana and maynor 16th to chicago since hinrich might get traded to Portland and gordon is probably a goner. SO WE CAN GET JENNINGS!!