Sixers NBA draft preview: Seven players Philly could be considering in the lottery
Mikal Bridges is the ideal fit for the Sixers.
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The Sixers have the 10th and 26th picks in Thursday's NBA draft. They could keep those picks or trade at least one of them in a package for a standout veteran addition — like Kawhi Leonard — or to move up in the draft. Here's a list of seven players they could select with their first draft pick.
>>READ MORE: The Sixers have lots of options on Thursday night
If the Sixers move up to the top 5:
Luka Doncic
6-8, PG/SG/SF, Slovenia
The 19-year-old could step in and contribute right away. Philly also loves international players. However, Doncic might not be the ideal pairing with point guard Ben Simmons because both players need the ball to be effective.
Michael Porter Jr.
6-11, Fr., SF, Missouri
He would fit in well with Simmons and Joel Embiid because he's more of an off-ball option. With his size, the 19-year-old would be a match-up problem on the wing. However, his health is a major concern after playing in just three games at Missouri due to lower-back surgery.
If the Sixers hold on to the 10th pick:
Mikal Bridges
6-7, Jr., SF, Villanova
A good two-way player, he can defend and is an efficient shooter. The 21-year-old could spread the floor for Embiid and Simmons to operate. The added bonus is that the former Great Valley High School standout doesn't need the ball to be effective.
>> READ MORE: Sielski: The Sixers should draft Mikal Bridges if he's available
Miles Bridges
6-6, Soph. SF/PF, Michigan State
The 20-year-old was an undersized power forward for the Spartans, who is attempting to make the transition to small forward. He's a solid shooter, but not expected to be an offensive focal point in the NBA.
>> READ MORE: Miles Bridges sees Sixers as a good fit
Lonnie Walker IV
6-5, Fr., SG, Miami
The 19-year-old has a lot of upside. NBA teams are intrigued by the Reading native's excellent body control, quick first step, athleticism, and defense. He showed some flashes at Miami replacing Bruce Brown Jr., who missed considerable time with a fractured left foot.
>> READ MORE: Frank's Place: Examining Lonnie Walker's impact on basketball in Reading
Zhaire Smith
6-4, Fr., SG, Texas Tech
Smith came from out of nowhere to become a projected lottery pick. He was a three-star recruit coming out of high school. His main thing right now is his athleticism and explosiveness. The Texas native would be considered a gamble at No. 10.
>> READ MORE: Zhaire Smith impresses in Sixers' predraft workout
Kevin Knox II
6-9 Fr. SF, Kentucky
Knox, who doesn't turn 19 until Aug. 11, has arguably the biggest upsides in the draft. He's a solid shooter, who will create match-up problems. But Knox probably won't be a major contributor this season. The Floridian will need some time to develop in the NBA G League.