June is rapidly approaching and so with it, the NBA Draft. With the draft under a month away, we decided it’s time to take a closer look at some of the prospects who may find themselves at the Wells Fargo next season.
One name being mumbled on everyone’s lips is D’Angelo Russell. The Sixers are in desperate need of a starting point guard and Russell fits the bill perfectly. At 6″5 he certainly has the commanding size and with it some great leadership qualities. He’s an unselfish playmaker who can shoot consistently from the outside, something the Sixers would have loved to have on their team towards the end of last season. With the team being a lot more experimental from beyond the three point line, someone of D’Angelo’s prowess and confidence almost seems like the perfect glove fit.
In his lone year with the Buckeyes, Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Consider that with his impressive average of 6.6 three-point attempts per game and you have an out and out shooter. Oh, he also made over 40% of said attempts!
What makes a great point guard? Being a consistent outside shooter is one attribute and if you take a look at the remaining point guards still standing in the NBA playoffs, you’ll see an interesting similarity. Stephen Curry is shooting 43.7 percent from behind the arc in his appearances this playoff season whilst Kyrie Irving has been even better, hitting 48.1 percent of his attempts in the 12 games he has played.
Today’s NBA point guard isn’t just another player. He needs to be a breakout star and attract attention with his perimeter game, finesse, confidence and flashy finishes. This is even more important when you take into account the presence of Joel Embiid in the low post.
A lineup with Russell on the perimeter alongside Robert Covington and Jerami Grant gives the Sixers three players who are constantly a threat from range, forcing defenders to contest each and every shot. If Philly are going point guard in the draft, then you’re going to hear the Commissioner say this mans name for the third pick.
