Optionality. It’s the favorite word of two-time Super Bowl-winning executive Howie Roseman. After securing the third overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the Sixers now have what Roseman used to secure two championships for Philadelphia: optionality.
Philadelphia has seen team President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey and Head Coach Nick Nurse both make public statements that suggest the team is comfortable selecting a player with the third pick, but Morey is never one to knowingly show his hand. The right situation could change everything in an instant for the Sixers.
Here are the team’s options ahead of the draft.
Use the third overall pick
Staying pat may not thrill Sixers fans who are not enamoured with this draft class. Said to be a two-man draft, this year’s crop of prospects is admittedly top-heavy, and the difference is murky between the range of three to eight, but there are prospects who at least somewhat stand out among that crowd.
Rutgers star Ace Bailey has often been projected as a top-three pick in this draft. His elite shot-making potential, paired with a combination of size and athleticism, has won many over, though moments of tunnel vision, an inability to make his way to the rim, and issues getting to the line and struggling at the line have made him perhaps the most polarizing player in this draft.
V.J. Edgecombe is another popular candidate for the third overall pick. Offering unending athleticism and competitive drive, Edgecombe’s floor is sky-high, though shortcomings as a shot creator and a ball handler limit his ceiling.
Nurse has discussed the team’s interest in three players, one of whom would be available third overall. But should the opportunity arise to land a higher player on their list, expect Daryl Morey to pursue that opportunity by exploring options to trade up.
Trade up
Cooper Flagg is reportedly off the market. The Dallas Mavericks owe their lives to the basketball gods—or perhaps a more sinister provider—after landing the first overall pick mere months after trading away a generational superstar for a paltry return. They are aware of this and will not be moving Flagg, at least according to the most recent insider reporting.
After Flagg stands Ace Bailey’s running mate at Rutgers, Dylan Harper. The projected second overall pick is about as well-rounded as any not named Cooper Flagg. A need to improve his jumpshot lingers, but he’s willing and capable at this stage, unlike oversized guards of Sixers past.
The San Antonio Spurs have already invested in two combo guards after drafting reigning rookie of the year Stephon Castle and trading for De’Aaron Fox. Would the Spurs entertain an offer to land a sorely needed forward while picking up additional draft compensation?
Quite possibly, especially if they are looking to star hunt over the course of the next few years. If not, and should the Sixers either be bluffing or change their mind on their comfort with the third pick, another option is to trade down, grabbing more assets in the process.
Trade down
The difference in talent from three to roughly eight is rather arguable at this time. Philadelphia could look to prey on a team desiring Ace Bailey’s high upside and make a deal with a team like Utah, Washington, or Brooklyn, which were all spurned by the draft lottery and are looking to make the switch from rebuilder to playoff contender.
By doing so, Philadelphia could still select a quality player like Duke’s Kon Knueppel or Texas’ Tre Johnson while either landing a role player like a Kyle Filipowski or Corey Kispert or future draft compensation. If Philadelphia finds those deals unsatisfactory, trading out remains an option.
Trade out
This offseason, the rumor mill is a star-studded affair. Rumors are already swirling about Kevin Durant’s and Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s assumed departures. Then, there’s the Boston Celtics’ situation, which has become far more grave after star Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles Monday night.
The Celtics were already rumored to be in the market to move around a couple of formerly core pieces. Could Jaylen Brown now shake loose in the wake of this injury? Boston is likely facing a gap year without Tatum next season, regardless. Trading away Jaylen Brown and his sizeable contract while landing a top-three pick in this draft could become enticing for Boston.
Expecting star hunting to be among the many potential strategies of Daryl Morey, despite his public comments of support for the team’s current stars.
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