Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: Who to target in the 2017 NBA Draft

By Tyler Monahan

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown (right) poses with NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum after the 76ers receive the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown (right) poses with NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum after the 76ers receive the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With youth on their side, the Philadelphia 76ers have faith that whoever they draft with the 3rd overall pick will put them back into contention.

On May 16th, the Philadelphia 76ers and fans had their prayers answered as the infamous pick swap with the Sacramento Kings came to fruition. With several holes to fill, the team has options for the pick. A solid nucleus of Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Dario Saric has the Sixers on the verge of being competitive in the next few years. With some solid players the team still needs a franchise point guard and a starting caliber shooting guard. The 2017 draft class has a ton of different players who can fill this need, these are some that the team should target.

Josh Jackson, Kansas SF/SG

With Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball the most likely choices for the Celtics and Lakers, Josh Jackson is seen as the next best prospect. Jackson left Kansas after one year, averaging 16.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists and leading his team to the Elite Eight. An athletic freak who doesn’t need the ball in his hands, Jackson fits the need of physical scorer. While players like Fultz or Ball may fit the scheme better, Jackson has the ability to be the best player in this draft class.

Jayson Tatum, Duke SF

Tatum quickly returned to form after an early season foot sprain to become one of the leading scorers at Duke. Similar to Jackson, Tatum averaged 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while often showing his ball handling skills and pure strength.

More from Philadelphia 76ers

With so many weapons surrounding him, Tatum found ways to influence the game without scoring, something he may need to do if he ends up playing next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Still growing into his frame, Tatum already has a high floor with the ceiling of being a yearly all-star.

Malik Monk, Kentucky SG

Monk, while probably the least likely to be drafted 3rd overall, fits the Sixers the best. One of the best scorers in college basketball, Monk can come in and have a huge effect on the offense immediately. His ability to create his own shot off the ball fits well next to whatever point guard ends up starting. The 3 point line is one of the Philadelphia 76ers biggest weaknesses, Monk and his 19.8 points per game show that he is able to come in and become a sharpshooter from the beginning.

Next: Sixers get 3rd pick in the 2017 NBA Lottery via Kings swap

Stuck in the cellar of the Eastern Conference for the last few years, the Sixers have a chance to change their fate. Whether it be Jackson, Tatum, Monk, or someone else this rookie needs to prove to be a valuable asset.