FanPost

Trade Up, Trade Down

A lot of people have shown interest in trading out of the number 3 pick in some way. Some people say that we should package picks & players for Fultz, some are saying we should trade down, but a lot of people agree that a move should be made. Before I start this article, it should be known that taking Josh Jackson at 3 is perfectly fine. It is logical and rational and will probably happen. However, trading out of 3 is just as likely and makes as much sense. If the Sixers do either, I, alongside countless other fans, will be perfectly content with the outcome.

The Sixers have 3 real options for draft night as of today.

1) Trading to #1 for Markelle Fultz

2) Staying put and taking Josh Jackson

3) Moving down to select Jonathan Isaac, Malik Monk, or Dennis Smith

Let's explore each scenario.

Option 1: The idea of Markelle Fultz as a part of the Sixers core is exciting to any Philly fan, but it doesn't seem likely for a few reasons. The Celtics have lots of options with the pick, as they can package it for a star or take Fultz to join their already good team. And even if the Celtics choose to trade it, Philadelphia will have to outbid the Bulls, or at least put together a more appealing package than Jimmy Butler. So, I really don't see this happening, but we can explore the hypothetical anyway. We could trade the Lakers 2018 pick, Jahlil Okafor, the 3 pick, and some vet/pick/swap/flier or whatever it takes to get the job done. Would Boston do it? Maybe, probably not. Would the Sixers do it? Maybe, probably not. Odds of this happening are low, but there's always a chance!

Option 2: People on LB and in the media are essentially saying "Don't overthink it, stay put" which is definitely reasonable and warranted. There is a lot to like about Josh Jackson: shut down defender, good ball handling, monster transition player, beast driving to the hoop, all star potential. The one knock on it is that it would be adding a bad shooter to a bad shooting team. This is a valid concern. I heard Rights to Ricky Sanchez say that his jump shot was beyond broken and would need a lot of repair. First off, we don't need this pick to come in and do everything well like, say, the Lakers. We are in position to be a playoff team effective immediately, and so Jackson's jumper can be brought along slowly. Second, he does everything so well that a bad shot wouldn't be the end of the world. If we got him at 3, it would be for his great defense and limitless potential. Picking him up would be great, but it might not be our best option.

Option 3: A lot of non-Fultz players fit the Sixers really well a little bit later in the lottery. People will always say BPA no matter what, but it should be remembered that there has to be a balance. If there isn't the balance of talent and need, then we will have another Okafor situation and front court logjam. We are still recovering from going best player available. Furthermore, BPA would be for a team like the Nets who needs a star, but the Sixers have a core in place already. Yes, we should go for a good player and avoid reaching. However, we should take fit into consideration.

There are a few players who have high upside, are good prospects, and fit with the roster we have now. However, it is hard to justify taking any of them at 3, which is why my preferred move would be to trade down. If Fultz, Ball, and Jackson go 1, 2, 3 respectively, one of Smith Jr., Isaac, and Monk will be available at 4, 5, or 6. One might even fall into our laps at 7 if Phoenix decides on Tatum at 4. The Suns and the Kings are not compatible trade partners. I have 3 for 5 & 10 thrown around, but that isn't happening, regardless of the Kings incompetence. The Suns have nothing of value, and the Kings have their guy at 5 with Fox. The most likely trade partner looks to me like the Magic at 6. They don't have a clear cut guy at 6 who they should target, but they could use Josh Jackson at small forward for sure. Better yet, they have an extra first. So we could trade 3 for 6 & 25. Throw Okafor in there I don't care! Draft his replacement at 25! Throw in Stephen Zimmerman for big depth! This could be like last years Suns-Kings trade, where the Suns traded off 13 + 28 + rights to a prospect for 8. Very similar trade, and there is incentive for both sides to take it. We could take whoever falls into our lap because like I said, we don't need a rookie to be a total difference maker in his first year. Maybe we work off Tatum at 4 and craft a deal with the Wolves, getting Tyus Jones or taking a chance on Kris Dunn. The bottomline is any of their 3 options would be more than welcome with where our roster is today.

So overall, the Sixers can do a lot of things, and they will probably make the right choice. The only way we mess this up is by taking Tatum, Ball, or Fox. Other than that, we are in a great position. A good free agent signing or two, and the playoffs are not a far-fetched objective. Trust the Process!

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