Sixers Second Round Big Board 1.0

The first round of the draft tends to reasonably gets most of the attention come draft night, but the Sixers can pick up key assets in the second round as well.
The second round is a place the Sixers have been able to find gems in past years. Jerami Grant, K.J. McDaniels, and Richaun Holmes have all been players who have far exceeded their expectations when it came to production in Philadelphia. Many view the second round as home run swings on potential role players, and others as a way to gain inexpensive trade chips through draft and stash.
Either way, the second round can be utilized in effective ways into developing sleeper picks. It was the hidden mantra of Sam Hinkie’s process. Digging through the second round to find inexpensive players who can maximize their value either on the court or through trades played an important secondary role to nailing high-end picks. The front office changed, but the ideology of the second round does’t have to shift drastically.
The 2017 draft will be important in finding what could be the final piece to the Sixers’ rebuild in the early part of the draft, but could also prove successful in finding additional pieces in the second round. For a team that has yet to land a mid to high-free agent, acquiring inexpensive yet effective bench players will continue to keep the cap in favor of Philadelphia as the core continues to grow.
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The Sixers hold Detroit and Golden State’s second round picks. With NCAA basketball and European ball in full swing, here’s a look at some intriguing second round picks the Sixers could eye.
1. Devonte Graham, PG, Kansas (Junior)
Kansas prospects usually see a bump in draft stock come tournament time. If Graham is available with the Sixers’ first second-round pick, he’s a no-brainer of a selection. The Sixers will never be too hesitant on snagging point guards. With Sergio Rodriguez midway through a one-year deal, Jerryd Bayless set to make his return next season from injury, and T.J. McConnell expected to stay on the roster, the team could use a second or third guard, even with Simmons being a primary ball handler.
Graham is threat from the outside, averaging 6.2 three-point attempts and connecting on 38% of them. His quickness allows him to shift through defenders as well as defend most guards along the perimeter. He isn’t an elite playmaker, but often makes the right passes as defenses pull close to him along the perimeter. Graham can be a decent option on the deep end of the bench, and his quickness paired with his decent size makes him a dynamic guard. It may not be the versatile combo option the Sixers are looking for, but nonetheless a low risk, high reward option.
2. Dwayne Bacon, SF, Florida State (Sophomore)
Bacon has been an interesting case to follow. A highly recruited prospected out of high school, Bacon was set to be a dangerous two-guard with good length. His 6’5 frame and 6’8 wingspan should make him a versatile player in the NBA. Scoring, scoring, and more scoring. That’s his strength. He runs the floor well, finishes in transition, and can hit the outside shot. Averaging, 17.8 points per game, the one question comes on the defensive side of the ball.
He has the tools to be a serviceable defender, but often gets beat off the dribble and is late on closing out shots. He’s been the beneficiary of playing next to forward Jonathan Isaac, but his defensive weaknesses are what’s keeping him from being a first-round pick. There’s almost always a place for bench scoring, and Bacon can bring that to the Sixers bench.
3. Aleksander Vezenkov, SF, Barcelona (21-years old)
Vezenkov was a huge favorite to be a steal in last year’s second-round, until he dropped his name before the deadline. Vezenkov is a tweener at the forward positions, but finds a way to score. He was one of the best scorers in the Greek league last season, but his transition to the more talented ACB hasn’t been all that smooth. He’s averaging nine points in 20 minutes, and does so without much athletic ability.
He’s not going to give you posterizing dunks, but at 6’9, 225 lb. he uses his strength intelligently. He can pull up for three, though not a major strength, but is capable of working the post. He’s not the greatest rebounder either, but he could be a nice project piece for the Sixers.
4. Melo Trimble, PG, Maryland (Junior)
5. Allonzo Trier, SG, Arizona (Sophomore)
6. Alpha Kabba, F, Mega Leks (21-years old)
7. Isaiah Briscoe, G, Kentucky (Sophomore)
The second-round is still promising. With potential developing role players available, the Sixers would be smart to utilize their picks in ways that can bolster the bench, barring a trade. Much can happen from now until June, as draft stocks rise and fall. Finding a gem late in the draft doesn’t just come with general narrative of stock, but landing a player that fits the scheme and system of the organization.
Next: McConnell's Career Moment
The Sixers have a real chance at finding gold in a garbage can, and adding inexpensive pieces never hurts.