The 2023 NBA draft has come and gone, and the Philadelphia 76ers finished the night without making a single selection. In Sixers’ 73 years in the NBA, between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Syracuse Nationals, this is the first time they have not made a selection, per Kyle Neubeck. While the draft itself lacked excitement for Sixers fans, the moments shortly after were filled with excitement as the team added three undrafted players on two-way contracts and one player to an Exhibit 10 deal.
The Philadelphia 76ers will be adding Arkansas’ Ricky Council IV, Arizona’s Azuolas Tubelis, and NC State’s Terquavion Smith on two-way deals, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Meet your newest Philadelphia 76ers
Council is undoubtedly an NBA-caliber athlete and has the size to defend both guards and wings at the next level. His shot is a major question mark, at least from deep, but he has the unwavering confidence of a player determined to improve. A fine isolation scorer, Council has the tools to become a role player in this league, but it will take time, and he will need to find his niche.
Arizona’s Azuolas Tubelis is a 6’11” forward who is a capable floor-stretcher who has a surprising ability to facilitate in transition. A dependable rebounder, there is a role as a support player in Tubelis’ future if all falls right.
Perhaps the prize jewel of this UDFA class, Terquavion Smith was not that long ago thought of as a potential first-round pick. A shot-chucking combo guard, there is no shortage of confidence when it comes to Smith. He regressed a bit as a shooter in his sophomore season but grew as a playmaker, doubling his assists average. There is potential for Smith to grow into an electric option off the bench one day.
Philly Voice’s Kyle Neubeck also reported that the Philadelphia 76ers will bring in Arizona State’s Marcus Bagley on an Exhibit 10 deal.
The brother of former 2nd overall pick and current Detroit Piston Marvin Bagley, Marcus shares his brother’s athleticism. Unfortunately, he also shares an inability to functionally apply that athleticism on the court. This is not to say he is not an NBA player, but that he is a project. He will have ample time to develop his skills assumptively with the Deleware Blue Coats next season.
