How the Sixers can utilize the second round without trading

The Sixers hold four second-round picks. The team is trying to progress by signing talented free agents, but how will they successfully utilize their second round?

The Sixers may make waves at the third pick that could shift the landscape of the entire draft. But what’s even more intriguing is their over abundance of second round picks. The team will surely look to trade at least one of their four second-rounders to alleviate having to bring on semi-useful prospects to a tight roster.

And there could be teams interested. The Portland Trailblazers are looking to dump large contracts and will give up one of their first round picks to do so. Maybe adding a few second-rounders could net the Sixers another first-rounder, adding to a chain of potential trades. Other than that, the market truly is unknown for second-round picks.

But even without a trade, Philadelphia can successfully utilize this second round. A lot of people like to bring up the NBA’s new two-way contracts, which is my first point on how the Sixers can win this late round. But first, it’s important to understand the way these contracts work.

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D-League Digest beautifully breaks down the rules and idiosyncrasies of this new addition to NBA rosters. Two-way contract players can only be signed to a maximum of 45 days. After those 45 days, the team must either let a prospect walk or offer him a contract, which means he would take up a regular roster space. So as a clarification, using these second-rounders in two-way contracts doesn’t ensure their stay for the entire season.

The Sixers could look to draft and stash as well. Problem is, there aren’t too many internationally signed prospects in the second round. They could try to convince a prospect to sign internationally, similar to the Jordan McRae situation. But for the most part that seems to be a difficult task.

But that’s ok, even without draft and stash there are ways to work this draft. First off, in the early second-round is where the Sixers aggressively pursue players they believe have the chance to be productive role players in their system. A big guard like Villanova’s Josh Hart or Oregon’s Tyler Dorsey should do the trick. Both are capable shooters that have versatility to play multiple positions; A must for anyone trying to breakthrough Brett Brown‘s rotations. Add P.J. Dozier to this list.

Next is finding a defensive-minded center. If the Sixers can somehow snag Indiana’s Thomas Bryant, they should do so. Sure, Philadelphia can find a serviceable backup in free agency, but why not take a crack at a cheaper option? Guys like Jordan Bell and Bam Adebayo are rare finds in the second-round and passing up on that would be counterproductive to sign a pricier veteran option.

The last two picks will fill the two-way contract role. This is where the Sixers can literally take a shot on anyone. Kansas’ Frank Mason may have one of the highest basketball IQ’s in this draft. His ability as a floor general is criminally underrated, and he has some potential next to Ben Simmons. Sindarious Thornwell and L.J. Peak are other names. High-potential scorers with some versatility are important to have on the bench.

The business side of basketball comes out now. The Sixers will have 45 days to assess four prospects upon being drafted and signed. Which means training camp, summer league, and live practices could determine a player’s fate. All these prospects are expendable enough where if an injury or just poor play occurs, the Sixers could make a sensible decision.

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Sure, it’s not perfect. But the Sixers have four chances to find a diamond in a dumpster. And it may not be the best morals when it comes to dealing with young players, but giving any prospect a chance, even a small one, should be enough to allow a player to show his value.