Sixers Lottery Scenario Part One: Josh Jackson Or Lonzo Ball?
The Sixers have a chance of jumping to the second pick in the draft in tonight’s NBA Lottery, who is the right pick at that spot?
As the Sixers look to add another piece to their young core, the team must hit on the right fit for the roster. With the second pick in the draft, Philadelphia’s top two options would be high-energy wing Josh Jackson and polarizing guard Lonzo Ball. The landscape of the NBA would tell you that acquiring either would be looked as a premium asset.
Jackson, a young and physically gifted forward, has the potential to become a high-end one-on-one defender. Ball, on the other hand, can turn into one of the league’s most complete point guards. Two highly touted prospects at positions that are at a premium. If the Sixers find themselves with the second pick in the draft, deciding between the two will have multiple factors play in.
Roster Breakdown
The Sixers main core is untouchable. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are versatile enough to have virtually any able shooter around them. Problem is, both are high usage players. Simmons’ talents are maximized with the ball in his hand. The 7-foot ball handler will have to gel with Joel Embiid, who has proven to be adept at multiple offensive facets, but has proven his effectiveness with his back to the basket.
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Outside of those two, the rest of the roster can be moved around for one of these top flight prospects. Josh Jackson may not fit right into the starting roster with Robert Covington manning the front at the small forward position. If the Sixers tried to force the issue and start both, the defensive rotation would be a force, however the ability to effectively spread out the offense would suffer due to inconsistent shooting and the talents of both wings.
Jackson is versatile enough defensively to find big minutes from the start, and even though his offensive game will likely be a work in progress, he could improve the Sixers as a defensive unit.
Plugging in Lonzo Ball would be an immediate improvement scoring wise. Ball’s vision combined with his ability to score from the outside makes it seem like he’d complement Simmons well. But his lack of off-ball skills makes a Simmons pairing an experimental project to start. If Ball adjusts to Brett Brown’s offensive scheme, the scoring potential between him, Simmons, and Embiid is unimaginable.
Outright Potential
Josh Jackson may have the highest potential in this draft outside of Markelle Fultz. Jackson is a quick 6’8 forward who can create his own opportunities in the lane when needed. His potential as a shooter will make or break whether he can pierce the veil of stardom, but at the least he’ll be a top flight perimeter defender in the NBA.
Once his vision and overall feel for the offensive game comes together, there’s no reason why Jackson can’t reach the levels of some of the top forwards in the game. His maximum ceiling may be a Jimmy Butler-type, and snagging a defensive minded forward with an unlimited offensive potential will bring in the final piece to a developing Sixers core.
Lonzo Ball may have a volatile potential. Although he has proven to score at a high level at UCLA, there will forever be concerns about how effective his funky shot release will be in the NBA. Failing to get the shot off consistently will minimize Ball’s talents to a pure passer; still not a bad moniker to have. Ball’s floor may be a little lower than Jackson’s and his ceiling may be just as high.
Ball would provide the stable guard option for the Sixers that has been lacking since All-Star Jrue Holiday. Lonzo Ball can be the outside option to Embiid and Simmons, but it will take some adjustment.
Next: Sixers Dream Scenario For The Lottery
If the Sixers fall with the just the second pick, Josh Jackson would be the ideal selection. His game could use a season or two to develop and come together, but Jackson could be a staple piece in this core because of his defensive ability. Lonzo Ball would bring excitement, scoring, and another dynamic passer next to Simmons. Josh Jackson is the wing of the future for the Sixers, and passing up on him for a chance at Lonzo Ball could turn ugly when looking back.