Sixers 2019 Draft Discussion with The Stepien’s Ross Homan: Round 2

The Sixers own 8.3 percent of Thursday’s draft, boasting five total picks. Whether or not they keep all five picks is one storyline, but we’re also intrigued with the bevy of options general manager Elton Brand can turn to. Philadelphia has worked out numerous potential Sixers preceding the draft, possibly giving us important intel in who suits their fancy.

Wielding picks 33, 34, 42 and 54, expect some type of movement. Philadelphia traded both their 38th and 39th pick last season for future assets. However, depth is a critical component missing from this past season’s playoff team and Philadelphia could inject some juice into a depleted bench. Philadelphia worked out players who fit the bill in Carsen Edwards, Terence Davis and Dylan Windler.

Elton Brand acquired the 33rd pick by dealing Markelle Fultz and Philadelphia received the 34th pick by dealing pick 39 last season. Also, the second round opens up possibilities that I don’t expect Brand to inevitably choose with pick No. 24.

Draft-and-stash options make sense as an avenue to conserve salary space, and Philadelphia could turn to that option at 42 or 54. With a copious amount of routes Philadelphia can take, I turned to The Stepien’s Ross Homan to offer his sentiments on the Sixers’ second round.

Ross joined me to cover Philadelphia’s first round earlier this week. You can follow him at @Ross_homan1 and read his work here.

Jake Hyman: Thank you for returning to answer more Sixers draft questions, Ross. How are you doing as we’re just days away from the draft and where does this draft rank in talent compared to its recent predecessors?

Ross Homan: The top end talent(besides Zion) is definitely one of the worst of the last few years, but I do think there are some good value role-players to find later in the draft. It’s not a great draft, but I’ve come around on it a bit over the last month or so.

JH: While numerically the Sixers’ first-round pick is higher, but is there as a case that Philadelphia’s two picks in the 30s hold more value?

RH: There’s an argument to be made that non-guaranteed salaries are more important to contenders, but I disagree with that sentiment for this specific Philly team. They’re in desperate need of depth and picking 10 spots higher does mean something for the player you’re getting. Philly might be paying the luxury tax, so I’m sure the owner might disagree with me, but I do think getting that first round pick is important.

JH: Shake Milton was a steal who depending who you asked had a first-round billing prior to being selected at pick №54. He earned ball handling opportunities as the regular season closed. Did you see a potentially adept self-creator when he was at SMU?

RH: He definitely showed some creation ability at SMU and was probably underrated as a passer. I still worry about his athletic limitations and his numbers finishing at the rim, but he’s skilled in the PnR and a good dribble, shoot and pass player. He should provide some good value for Philly moving forward.

JH: Dylan Windler has already completed a team workout. Where is he on your board and do you think he’s a immediate contributor or follows a path similar to Jonah Bolden in his rookie season?

RH: I’m a bit lower than consensus on Windler, as I have him in my mid 40’s, but Philly is a place I’d be a little higher on him. If they’re able to get him with 33 or 34, I’d be okay with that. He should be able to contribute as a floor spacer and off-ball mover on offense, while providing decent team defense and solid rebounding. I worry about his numbers being poor against top competition in college, but being the 4th or 5th option on the floor will help him a lot in that sense. So yeah, I do think he’ll be able to give some immediate contribution during the regular season and be a decent bench guy. I worry about him getting hunted in the playoffs, though.

JH: You also gave some insight on how Carsen Edwards fared without reliable help last year in our first-round discussion. To augment some of his shooting strengths, what players are you ideally playing him with in the backcourt?

RH: You definitely prefer him next to a big wing initiator like Ben Simmons, so I would like the Philly fit. You’d also prefer him next to another guard that’s defensive minded, because Edwards will likely struggle defensively and he’ll be rather one-dimensional. I’d like lineups with the Edwards-Zhaire-Simmons trio going against other bench units. It would be a 2nd unit that can push the pace and get up shots if you also play one of Butler or Harris with that group.

JH: So I shared my thoughts on this matter on Twitter but i’ll ask you in addition. Could Carsen Edwards be a legitimate Warriors target and force Philadelphia’s hand to select him at 24 if EB wants him?

RH: It seems like a definite possibility. They’ll be looking to add perimeter shooting and guys who can help with shot creation, so I’d imagine Edwards will at very least be on their radar for #29. If Philly loves him, they should probably go ahead and take him at #24 without risking it, yes. I wouldn’t disagree with that pick, depending on who else is available, but I’d bet on him returning value with that pick.

JH: Ignas “Iggy” Brazdeikis was one of the primary scorers on a talented Michigan team and worked out for Philadelphia on June 11. What are some of his traits on offense that will appeal to Elton Brand? With what second-round pick will they get value for him: 33, 34, 42 or 54?

RH: Iggy is a very decisive scorer, meaning he has no hesitation when shooting, and no hesitation when driving. On a team like Philly where he could play the PF spot, he’d bring mismatches due to his combination of shooting plus strength. He shot over 40% from NBA three this year, and it will likely continue when he has better scoring teammates and better spacing at the NBA level. To keep it simple, Iggy will be able to fit in with both Embiid and Simmons while being able to drive and attack the rim against bigger players, and shoot over the top and use strength against smaller players. I’d be shocked if he’s a top 40 pick, so I’d start to strongly consider him at #42. If they like somebody more, there’s also a slight chance he’s available at #54. I’d consider both of those selections good value, with #54 being great value.

JH: Brandon Clarke and Rui Hachimura garnered most of the buzz during Gonzaga’s campaign this past season. Another southpaw (lefty) in Zach Norvell Jr. worked out in Windler’s group. What separates him from Windler and Brazdeikis maybe in a positive and negative way?

RH: Windler and Brazdeikis both have better size while bringing similar offensive skillsets, which give them the edge. I worry about Norvell Jr being able to reach the athletic threshold in the NBA and don’t think he’s a very good defender. He’s a better ball-handler than both Iggy and Windler, but not somebody who you really trust making decisions when he’s handling. Norvell Jr might have a bit higher upside because of the handle, but he’d really need to make strides in his decision making. At the end of the day, Iggy and Windler would be easy decisions over Norvell Jr for me, if im Philly.

JH: Ole Miss guard Terence Davis is a talent I’m elated Philadelphia worked out. Tenacious on-ball defender and his shooting splits paint a promising picture. Is he among your list of prospects Philadelphia needs to nab in the 30s?

RH: He is likely my #1 target for Philly at #33(or #34). Davis is somebody I’ve considered a fringe first rounder for a while now, and I think he’d even be worthy of their #24 pick, although they can easily just wait and take him later. The point is, I love the fit in Philly. He gives them a good perimeter defender with near elite athleticism and toughness who has made strides in his shot-making ability and all around offensive game over the last two years. He also continues to add to Philly biggest strength, which is being very big and physical.

JH: Does he have the mechanics and touch to be a capable catch-and-shoot option?

RH: I’m optimistic on his shooting, yes. There is some truth to seniors in college having a better shooting year than their actual ability would allow, but I like the form and he shows good shot variance, which is always promising when you’re looking at somebody’s shot. I don’t think he’ll be a knockdown guy, but I do expect around a league average shooter with him.

JH: You talked about Philadelphia earning value if they go with Virginia Tech’s Justin Robinson or Cody Martin. (The Sixers worked out Cody’s twin brother Caleb last week) at picks 42 or 54. I read your colleague Ben Rubin’s article on Martin and his skill set is worth a two-way contract. Would you rather opt for a point guard or draft-and-stash with the later picks, depending on if they keep them as opposed to trading them?

RH: I normally prefer the philosophy of getting backup point guards out of UDFA(like FVV), but since Philly has so many 2nd round picks I think they should at least entertain the late 2nd round point guards. Zoosman would be at the top of my list for late picks if they were deciding between stash guys and point guards, but players like Cody Martin, Justin Robinson or Shamorie Ponds should be considered strongly with their later picks. A team like Philly who desperately needs depth, as many bites of the apple can greatly benefit them.

JH: From reading those who watched Luka Samanic perform at the Combine, he played well overseas and didn’t miss a beat against fellow prospects. Did you give him a first-round grade? Would it be actually conducive for the Sixers to delay his contract and take him at 33 or 34?

RH: I have him just outside of a first round grade, but he did impress me at the combine. If he’s available at 33 or 34, he definitely should be considered. I worry about him fitting into a team with stars, but he’s talented with good athleticism and great coordination for his size/age.

JH: Yovel Zoosman is 6’7” and nearly 200 pounds. What’s his signature ability and what role do you expect him to play for his NBA career?

RH: Zoosman is a defensive first prospect. That’s not to imply he’s a poor offensive player, because he’s a really good passer and the shot looks like it will be around league average, but he’ll bring most of his value on the defensive end. A really good off-ball defender, he plays the passing lanes well and is great on help-side rotations. He’s also incredibly strong and will be able to switch 2–4, with some capabilities of guarding the 1. He has some starting upside, but will likely be a utility guy off the bench who’s capable of playing in versatile lineups.

JH: Deividas Sirvydis is an interesting offensive prospect who can handle the ball at 6’8” and has an aesthetic stroke. What’s his ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) for The Association and have you seen a good amount of tape on him?

RH: I’d imagine he doesn’t come over immediately, but I’m pretty uncertain on when he will come over. I’ve seen quite a bit of Sirvydis, yes. I like his skill-set and he’s one of the better shooters in the draft, but I’m really worried about his lack of strength and overall athleticism.

JH: We finally venture to the center position. I’m committed to the Sagaba Konate experience as a two-way option, but why should I have reservations?

RH: I’m a little worried about his perimeter defense and his tendency to float to the perimeter on offense, but he is worth a two-way. I definitely wouldn’t use a pick on him in the draft, but if you can get him as a UDFA he’s worth keeping around to see if he develops and whether or not the shot is real.

JH: You mentioned Jontay Porter’s two ACL injuries in the last piece and how his future might not align with Philadelphia’s timetable. Do you think free agency could locate Joel Embiid’s backup for this upcoming season?

RH: I would look to add the backup C in free agency, yes. I’d rather use the picks and wings and guards, since bigs are a little easier to find. Dedmon, O’Quinn, Joakim Noah, Robin Lopez, Ed Davis, and Taj Gibson are all players I’d check in on. Some will likely be out of Philly’s price range, or want more minutes, but it doesn’t hurt to inquire with them.

JH: Ty Jerome could play either backcourt spot but would likely be T.J. McConnell’s successor. Do you think he’s on the Sixers’ radar, despite not working for them?

RH: I’m actually surprised they haven’t worked out Ty Jerome, but I do think he’d be a good fit for the Sixers. He won’t have the athletic ability to be a primary, despite being a PG, but he’d fit well playing off Simmons, Butler, Harris or Embiid. I’d have to imagine that he’s on their radar, since they have those 2 early 2nd round picks that will likely be within a few spots of his selected spot. I would like the idea of them drafting stronger, more athletic wing players, though. Jerome will struggle guarding quicker perimeter players and it could be possible he doesn’t meet Philly’s wanted athletic threshold for this draft.

JH: How many picks do you see Philadelphia utilizing as margin filling in the second round?

RH: I wouldn’t be shocked if they only use two of them, to be honest. Maybe a third on a draft and stash guy like Yovel Zoosman, Deividas Sirvydis or Marcos Louzada Silva. So if I had to guess, I think they use one pick to stash, two of them to draft players for their roster, and attempt to sell the 4th.

JH: As the Sixers are a playoff contender, would other teams potentially decline trade-up possibilities to receive seconds for a late-first?

RH: Yeah, I think that’s definitely a possibility but maybe a team like Brooklyn who is going after two max players would rather have the non-guaranteed money of the second rounders. I do think it will be hard to trade back into the first though, even if I disagree with that from the other teams perspective.

JH: Ross, once again, you’re time and insight is highly appreciated. If you could devise the most realistic game plan, how would you attack the second round?

RH: I like the idea of making their strengths stronger and drafting physical players that exude toughness and confidence. Obviously they’ll need shooting and perimeter defense, but those things can be found in physical guards. As I’m sure you’ve noticed by know, the list of players I like for Philly include Grant Williams, Chuma Okeke, Terence Davis, Carsen Edwards, Talen Horton-Tucker, Mattise Thybulle, Yovel Zoosman, Iggy Brazdeikis and DaQuan Jeffries. Those are all players that play with physicality, have above average strength for their position, and/or want to get up into you defensively. Philly was extremely close to beating the eventual champions in game 7 last year, so I really don’t think they should stray far from their current identity and try to tinker too much. Recognize what you’re good at and improve your weaknesses while trying to stick to your identity.