Michigan’s Nik Stauskas could be a great pick up for the Sixers with the No. 10 overall pick, their second in the first round. Credit: Getty Images
There are a lot of options for the Sixers on draft night, many of which involve trading up (to get Andrew Wiggins) or trading down. But if they stay put at No. 3 and No 10, they could wind up with two huge pieces to build on into the future.
Here are five more possible picks at the No. 10 spot.
Nik Stauskas
The guard from Michigan shot nearly 50 percent from the field, scoring 17.5 points per game. More important, he was clutch. Stauskas would be a nice fit in the Sixers’ offense.
Doug McDermott
All he did was produce in four seasons at Creighton. McDermott is a rare talent with the ability to knock down the mid-range jumper along with 3-pointers. McDermott could step into the starting lineup and average 15 points or more per game.
Dario Saric
This would be a risk because Saric has reportedly agreed to play the next couple of years in Turkey. But he’s 6-foot-10 and is a double-double machine.
Gary Harris
Almost every player coming from Michigan State is fundamentally sound. Harris sure is. A capable scorer and rebounder, Harris also displays a will to win, which is something you can’t teach.
Zach LaVine
He had plenty of good moments at UCLA, but proved to be a streak shooter. If he can find consistency from the perimeter, the Sixers would have a strong pick at No. 10.
Teams can still grab solid players in the second round. Assuming the Sixers keep the No. 32 pick, here are a couple of interesting players who could fall to them.
Mitch McGary
He’s 6-foot-10 and skilled in the low post. The former Michigan standout doesn’t have much of an outside game, but he can score down low and he can rebound and defend. For a second-round pick, it’s not a bad idea.
Shabazz Napier
He won an NCAA title with Connecticut and showed tremendous leadership and toughness. Napier was willing to take big shots. He also made those shots and led the Huskies to a title against long odds. With coaching, Napier could work his way into a rotation.
The Sixers could go a variety of ways on Thursday. Veteran forward Thaddeus Young could possibly be dealt. A number of other moves could be made. It’s going to be a wild night.
And it could be a night which continues to shape the future of the rebuilding Sixers.
