Pre-Draft Outlook
Joel Embiid hobbled through 19 games, while Paul George played in only 41 and (when he did play) wasn’t the guy the Sixers thought they were getting when they signed him to a four-year, $212-million deal last summer. They can be a title contender if both of those guys come back healthy and at the top of their game, but that’s a colossal if, with Embiid and George owed a combined $411 million over the next four years.
The Way to Go
The silver lining was the Sixers moving up to the third pick in a talented Draft. They could trade it to acquire a player on the win-now timeline, but it would be more prudent to use it toward Plan B, where they’re looking a few years down the line at a roster that features Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and this year’s pick. Maxey and McCain are just 6-2 and 6-3, respectively, so a wing with more size (Ace Bailey) would be a better fit than the talented guards that will be available.
— John Schuhmann
Here’s a quick look at Philadelphia’s current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Ricky Council IV
G: Jalen Hood-Schifino
G: Tyrese Maxey
G: Jared McCain
F: Adem Bona
F: Paul George
F/C: Alex Reese
C/F: Joel Embiid
Free Agents
G: Jared Butler
G: Jeff Dowtin Jr.
G: Eric Gordon
G: Quentin Grimes
G: Kyle Lowry
G/F: Lonnie Walker IV
F: Justin Edwards
F: Guerschon Yabusele
F/G: Kelly Oubre Jr.
C: Andre Drummond