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It's that time again. As Sixers fans, we normally talk NBA Draft much, much earlier than this, but with the Sixers plummeting in the standings, losing to the Wizards, and regressing to the mean of mediocrity that has been oh so familiar to this team, we have the 2012 NBA Draft to look forward to, along with the sure-to-be short lived Playoff appearance.
If the season ended today, the Sixers would be selecting 18th overall – the lowest they've picked since 2005, when they didn't have a first round pick.
Because the Sixers flew out of the gates, to a tune of 20 wins in their first 29 games, my focus has been elsewhere, and I admittedly know much less about this year's draft class than I normally would. Word on the street is it's one of the deepest talent pools in recent memory, which is good news for teams picking between 10-20, including the Sixers. The team also has two second round picks.
We're get real down and dirty with draft talk as soon as the season concludes, but after the jump you'll find two recent mock drafts to whet your palette, along with my uninformed (as of now) take.
Draft Express: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
DX doesn't take into account team needs at this stage of mock draft season, so they're not implying the Sixers are in search of a point guard.
Teague is Jeff's younger brother and has nice size for a PG. He stands 6'2" with a 6'7" wingspan. His strengths are his speed and ability to attack the basket (the anti-Jrue), and his weaknesses include his jumper. He has the potential to be a good defender as well, but turnovers have been a bit of a problem.
Although I'm a Teague fan, and not as high on Jrue as I've been in year's past, the Sixers desperately need a legitimate big man. Arnett Moultrie, Royce White, Mason Plumlee, Tony Mitchell and Fab Melo are a few to consider.
I love Tony Mitchell as a fit for the Sixers. He's athletic, a very good rebounder, shot blocker and gets most of his points off cuts to the basket. These are all qualities we've wanted in our big man since Dalembert was traded. The problem: he's had academic problems and he's a bit undersized. Academic problems are a huge red flag, in my opinion. All that talent in the world matters not if you're Marreese Speights.
Fab Melo's another interesting guy, because he's huge and blocks shot, but can't rebound on the defensive end, for whatever reason.
ESPN: Terrance Ross, SG, Washington
Analysis: Jodie Meeks is the closest thing the Sixers have to a great 3-point shooter. Adding Ross should be an instant upgrade at the backup shooting guard spot.
Ford has Meyers Leonard going after the Sixers pick. He'd be an interesting get since he projects as a pretty good defender and rebounder. He's a big dude.
Patric Young is also slotted after the Sixers pick. I love him from a pure tools standpoint, going back to last season, but he's still a ways away from reaching his potential. Plus, I think he's staying in school, as he should.