Philadelphia 76ers: Who will be in and out of draft range at pick 23?
Players in the Philadelphia 76ers range at 23.
E.J. Liddell – Forward, Ohio State
While Tari Eason may not be realistic, Ohio State’s E.J. Liddell may be the next best thing for Philadelphia. The high-flying big led Ohio State alongside Malaki Branham to a competitive second-round performance against Villanova in the NCAA tournament.
Compared to the likes of P.J. Tucker and Grant Williams, Liddell has the profile to turn into a top-notch role player at the NBA level. Not to say that he’s destined for a bench role either as — similar to Tucker and Williams — there’s starter-level talent in him for certain.
Liddell worked diligently to expand his range this past season and became one of the better shot blockers in college basketball. His 2.6 blocks per game lead the Big 10. Liddell’s shooting has also improved across the board in each of his three collegiate seasons.
The Philadelphia 76ers could certainly do worse, and they’d be hard-pressed to do better with the 23rd overall pick.
MarJon Beauchamp – Wing, G League Ignite
When people see MarJon Beauchamp, they tend to see flashes of Matisse Thybulle. While there are some similarities, it’s really not an accurate comparison as Beauchamp has already shown more offensive promise. Beauchamp’s willingness to shoot alone is enough for some to prefer his long-term NBA outlook compared to Thybulle.
It’s been an interesting journey for MarJon Beauchamp. A four-star recruit out of high school, Beauchamp fielded several Division I offers, including one from Washington — one more reason for the Thybulle comparison. Ultimately, he opted to forego college and pursued training with Chameleon BX instead. Beauchamp would leave the program during the pandemic and opted to attend a local Washington junior college before finally joining the NBA G League Ignite team.
Beauchamp averaged 15.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 12 G League games for the Ignite. While he struggled from deep (24.2%), Beauchamp was efficient and aggressive in other areas offensively as he shot over 60% on two-point shots, of which he took 8.4 per game. His measurables are also enticing; standing 6’6.5″ with a 7’0.5″ wingspan, Beauchamp is able to utilize his length.
While some may not want to draft a player who is compared to a recently spurned player already on the roster, the difference is clear enough to take a gamble on Beauchamp worthwhile for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Fringe: Dalen Terry – Wing, Arizona
Dalen Terry is one of the most interesting prospects in this draft. An extremely talented and versatile defender, Dalen Terry boasts the size necessary to slow down the likes of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the aforementioned Jimmy Butler. He’s not a particularly gifted scorer or shooter, and yet, he does everything else incredibly well. No, this is not the second coming of Ben Simmons; Dalen Terry is almost like Andre Iguodala with even more attitude, or perhaps the next Herb Jones.
Terry also boasts the attitude often needed from an impact defender. He brings the energy, hustle, and physicality that Joel Embiid openly stated the team is missing. Terry would not only be a defensive spark but one in transition as well for the Philadelphia 76ers. His athleticism, mixed with his passing ability, make him a dangerous threat on the break.
Where the “fringe” label comes into play for Terry is that, while he has been a rising prospect in this draft, 23 still feels a bit high. Now, if Daryl Morey and the Sixers decide he’s the player for them, then you go get him. If there’s not a certainty and say there’s a handful of prospects still on the board that the team is interested in, it may be worthwhile to explore trading down in an attempt to land Terry and more assets.
Again, there are many prospects the Philadelphia 76ers may find interesting but similar to Terry – but to a higher degree – there are some players who, while intriguing, would be a reach: