Sixers: Meet the new kids on the block
By James Wicker
Jun 23, 2017; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number 25 overall draft pick Anzejs Pasecniks (center) poses with owner Joshua Harris (left) and general manager Bryan Colangelo (right) during an introductory press conference at Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
#25 pick, C Anzejs Pasecniks (Latvia)
In a trade with the Orlando Magic to move up to the #25 pick, the Sixers selected Latvian big Anzejs Pasecniks. Pasecniks won’t be a Sixer next year, or maybe not even the year after, but he looks a very solid addition. A draft-and-stash or two was fully expected in this draft for the team, as there are just too many young players vying for minutes next year, especially at the 4 and 5 positions. So, what exactly do we know about this kid?
For starters, he’s only 21. He played in the same European league as fellow Latvian Kristaps Porzingis and averaged 8 PPG and 3 RPG in the process. No one is saying he’s going to touch the level of Porzingis, but he looks promising nonetheless. He’s 7’2″, so there’s already much speculation that he’s insurance if Joel Embiid’s injury problems persist.
Pasecniks is still very raw, but there are aspects of his game to be excited about. According to Sports Illustrated, the Latvian has outstanding mobility for his size, can finish well around the basket, and is improving quickly as a shooter off the pick and roll. He can also pick the ball up and attack the basket, and his quick feet allow him to be a fairly decent defender.
There’s obviously some weaknesses as well. This draft was certainly short on talented big men, so Pasecniks may have been a 2nd rounder in most drafts. He only weighs 220 pounds at his size, which shows a clear lack of a strong frame. Because of that, he’s a major work in progress on the defensive glass and defensively in general. He may get rebounds, but he is 7’2″ after all.
As stated, this is a gamble of a first-round pick for the Sixers. He likely will spend the next 2-3 years in Europe to continue his development, but he’s good insurance down low. Keep the Kristaps Porzingis comparisons to yourself, because that’s not the player we are getting. If he does come over sooner than later, he certainly looks someone who could fix themselves into the rotation.