Sixers: De’Aaron Fox’s meteoric rise giving Philadelphia more options
The Sixers could very well select the fast guard from Kentucky. And if not, his rise on the draft boards could pay dividends for Philadelphia.
De’Aaron Fox is one of the more debated prospects in this year’s draft for obvious reasons. The main one being the lack of outside shooting. The Sixers go into the 2017 NBA Draft with the third pick, and could very well select the guard despite creating spacing issues for a team that is already hurting in the perimeter game.
Fox’s abilities as a floor general clash with those of Ben Simmons, although the tandem could make for a frightening transition game. Even if the Sixers have reserves about the combination, his recent rise on respected draft boards into the top five bodes well for Philadelphia.
The Sacramento Kings and Fox seem to be very open about their mutual interest in each other, and with the Kings sitting at five, there may be worries about failing to nab the player they believe will thrive in their system.
Less than two years removed from the infamous fleecing of Vivek, which brought the pick swap that played out in May’s NBA Lottery, the two organizations could be involved in a draft night trade. The Sixers moving back to gain an additional top ten pick would require confidence in scouting and the prospects available in the 5-10 range.
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Sam Hinkie is the reason this situation is occurring, and Bryan Colangelo can now capitalize on it. Of course, it’s all dependent on what the Sixers’ draft board looks like. If Philadelphia is sold on either Lonzo Ball or Josh Jackson, then that should be the decision they make. If they aren’t sold to the point where they believe one of those player’s talents outweighs those of the two potential prospects they can reel in, then a trade back is inevitable.
Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the way Fox has been marketing himself. His combine performance and his interviews have shown that he is committed to becoming great, and pushed himself from a fringe top eight prospect, into the top five. He sold himself so well, that some teams have him as the highest guard prospect not named Markelle Fultz on their big boards.
Take this how you want it. If Fox isn’t what can propel the Sixers, then there could be some weariness on the team considering him with the third pick. Or take this as a good sign, as it now gives the Sixers more leverage to accumulate more assets. Optionality is always the goal, right?
The Sixers are somehow sitting prettier than they were just a few short weeks ago. With Fox on the rise, and the Kings infatuation with him continuing, a trade back is a realistic play. Debate whether it’s the right move or not if you’d like, but the main point is that the Sixers can play this draft how they please.
Credit Hinkie, or credit luck, but either way this draft night could be an active one for Philadelphia. They could walk away with the prospect they believe will finalize their young core, or two prospects they believe will elevate the depth and build of the roster moving forward. All of this is nicely complemented with a side of future assets that look tantalizing as ever.
Next: Sixers draft profile: Donovan Mitchell
De’Aaron Fox may not be the one whose name is called when the Sixers are on the podium, but his effect on Philadelphia’s completion of the rebuild could be great.