Process Disciples Roundtable: Who Should the Philadelphia 76ers Draft at No. 10?

0
1062
Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers sit at No. 10 in the NBA Draft despite being the third seed in this years NBA Playoffs. In a season filled with plenty of excitement, Philly is looking to build on that with this year’s pick. There is plenty of history to go off of when saying that the 10th pick will prove to be successful. Some names in the past include Paul George, C.J. McCollum, and Thon Maker. There is no reason as to why this pick can’t make an impact in this upcoming season and the 76ers have shown they trust their youth in a major way. After having the ping pong balls fall their way, who will the 76ers select at No. 10?

Our participants are:

Allan: Mikal Bridges, Villanova

There is only one word to describe the game of Mikal Bridges during his time at Villanova: Improved.

When it comes to his size, strength, and ability to score the basketball in multiple ways, Bridges has turned into a prototypical NBA wing player. Defense has always been his forte ever since he stepped foot onto Villanova’s campus, but Bridges’ ability to score the basketball has potentially become his most important quality, especially when it comes to the 76ers. He progressed from 29%  to 39% to a nearly-automatic 44% from deep this past season.

Combine that with his length and ability to shoot off a screen or dribble, it matches perfectly for what the 76ers want to do in the future.

Bridges would be a perfect successor to Robert Covington because he provides what Covington does which is shooting and defense, but Bridges’ inside ability, and play in transition is beyond what Covington brings.

The 76ers bench next season will most likely feature a boatload of wings as currently constructed. 

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, TJ McConnell, Justin Anderson and most likely Markelle Fultz, will be at the forefront of that the bench unit.

Bridges would bring a spark off the bench with his ability to guard multiple positions and could create match-up problems in a line-up that brings length and scoring. His leadership ability is something most analysts are not talking about when it comes to the player Bridges can be in the NBA.

Winning two championships at Villanova helped him grow into a better leader. You can just tell Mikal Bridges is ready to make an impact right away in the NBA. He has plenty of pro-style moves and shots in his arsenal to do it. He’d be a perfect fit for what they’re trying to do in Philadelphia.

Anderson: Mikal Bridges, Villanova

Throughout this past March Madness, Mikal Bridges from Villanova took his game to another level. We saw glimpses of Bridges looking like a future NBA player with his improvement in shooting the basketball from range, getting stronger (which has played hugely in his rim protector role), and aggressiveness on both sides of the ball.

His best improvement came in his shooting, which is mainly why his stock has risen in regards to the NBA Draft. He believed in himself which is why his game improved offensively. A forward with a wide wingspan, Bridges would be the best fit for Philadelphia at No. 10.

A young, defensive wing playing alongside Markelle Fultz and TJ McConnell coming off the bench would be a huge upgrade what they have now and would definitely bolster the 76ers’ bench depth.

Calpin: Mikal Bridges, Villanova

As we all know the Philadelphia 76ers have the No. 10 pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Assuming that they keep the pick and do not trade it away (big assumption), I see the 76ers having four logical options of who they should take.

Those four options are Collin Sexton, Kevin Knox, Mikal Bridges and Miles Bridges. I would love to say that Michael Porter Jr. will still be on the board, but that’s not likely.

If MPJ were to still be available, the 76ers should take him because, in my opinion, he has the highest ceiling and I truly believe he’ll be a star in this league. However, I don’t see him getting out of the top eight picks of this draft.

I think that Mikal Bridges is the guy the 76ers should draft. He is experienced and one of the rare college guys who actually stuck around. He had success at Villanova which I do believe is valuable.

Listen, the 76ers’ timeline has changed, we heard Brett Brown say it. They are now expected to compete for the Eastern Conference Championship immediately. A guy like Bridges compared to an 18-year-old Knox I think is more valuable. Plus he will fit in as a lengthy wing that can get up and down the floor like the 76ers enjoy doing. He also can add value on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Philadelphia 76ers
Photo via: Chicago Tribune

 

Mangigian: Trade the pick 

With the No. 10 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the 76ers have options. If I were the GM, I would be looking to move this pick to acquire proven NBA talent that could boost the 76ers to even further heights next season.

If the 76ers decide to stay at No. 10 and make a selection, I believe Mikal Bridges makes the most sense for Philadelphia. Bridges would provide some much needed off-ball production for the 76ers, something they lacked late in the postseason against Boston.  

Bridges would have to come off the bench behind both Dario Saric and Robert Covington as the roster stands now. This is one of the reasons why I would trade this pick.

I believe the 76ers should use that selection to get someone who can make an impact in the more immediate future. I believe that pick’s true value is allowing the 76ers to pay for a player without giving up a key player already on the team like Saric or Fultz.

That does not mean that Bridges’ future is not bright, it’s just that the 76ers’ situation could benefit more from someone coming in with a more proven resume. The 76ers have made it clear, they are ready to make playoff runs now and using that pick and a combination of other assets could land the Sixers a star like Kawhi Leonard.

If Bridges were to be off the board by the time the 76ers were up to pick, I would look at taking Miles Bridges from Michigan State.

At 6’6”, and the ability to knock down open shots, Miles Bridges could instantly fill a role the 76ers need. Miles certainly has aspects of his game to refine, but his ability to score in a myriad of ways makes him appealing to the 76ers roster.

If the Philadelphia 76ers have proved one thing in over the past few seasons, it is that you should get used to waiting for draft picks to develop i.e. Ben Simmons, Fultz, Joel Embiid, Saric. While it was certainly worth the wait, the Sixers are in a much different situation than they were just two seasons ago.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here