With the NBA Draft Combine now in the rearview mirror, the Philadelphia 76ers will now turn to pre-draft workouts as their last opportunity to take a look at draft eligible prospects before June 23. The top prospects like LSU's Ben Simmons and Duke's Brandon Ingram will get their own private workouts, while most of the others will be brought in for group workouts, which typically consists of six players. The first group workouts to be watched by new general manager Bryan Colangelo will be conducted on Monday. Below is the list of confirmed participants.
F DeAndre Bembry, St. Joe's (source): Bembry was a three year standout at Hawk Hill, and averaged 17.4 points a game, 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He's solid defensively, and will be capable of guarding multiple positions at the NBA. His perimeter shooting ability is the biggest question mark surrounding the 21-year-old's game. After shooting 86-257 (33.4 percent) from beyond the arc during his first two collegiate seasons, Bembry was a measly 34-128 (26.6 percent) during his final season at St. Joe's. He shot the ball well during a five-on-five scrimmage at the NBA Combine on Thursday, but failed to make an impact the following day. Bembry measured in at 6' 4.25" without shoes, 206.6 lbs. and a wingspan of 6' 9.25", all of which are a tad bit below the average size for a small forward, according to Draft Express. Draft Express also ranks Bembry as the 29th best prospect in the draft.
SG Josh Hart, Villanova (source): Hart is working out for the Sixers (among other teams) before making a decision to return to Villanova, which I think is probably in his best interest. He was the team's leading scorer this season, averaging 15.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The 21-year-old looked solid from a defensive standpoint during two scrimmages at the combine, but scored a total of just six points over the two days. Draft Express has the D.C. native as their 73rd best prospect.
PG Isaiah Whitehead, Seton Hall (source): Like Hart, Whitehead will work out for a couple NBA teams before making a decision on whether or not to return to school on May 19. After a disappointing freshman campaign, Whitehead stood out as the scorer most expected him to be last year, averaging 18.2 points a game while shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc. His 10 points on 4-24 shooting (including 0-10 from beyond the arc) against Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA tournament was one of the worst offensive performances I have ever seen. Whitehead's spot up shooting looked impressive during Thursday's set of scrimmages and his passing abilities seem to be improving. He measured in at 6' 3.25" without shoes, 210 lbs. and a wingspan of 6' 8.75", all of which are well above average for a point guard. Whitehead could probably benefit from another year at Seton Hall, as he's most likely a mid-second round pick at best this year. Draft Express ranks him as the 59th best prospect.
SF Dedric Lawson, Memphis (source): Lawson also has the opportunity to spend one more year at college, which he should really, really, really consider after his poor showing at the NBA Combine. He was a complete non-factor in both scrimmages, and had the second slowest lane agility test behind giant humans like UNLV's Stephen Zimmerman and Maryland's Diamond Stone, as well as the worst standing vertical leap by 1.5 inches. He averaged 15.8 points and 9.3 rebounds during his freshman season at Memphis. Draft Express has Lawson as their 80th best prospect.
C Shawn Long, Louisiana-Lafayette (source): The big man spent four seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette, where he averaged a double-double each season, which included 18.9 points and 12.1 rebounds a night during his senior year. Draft Express ranked him as their 94th best prospect.
SG Melvin Johnson, VCU (source): Johnson was VCU's leading scorer with 17.4 points per game, and shot 38.1 percent from beyond the arc on 289 attempts. The 6' 4" guard was not invited to the NBA Combine, and is unranked by Draft Express.
N.C. State guard Cat Barber was also supposed to work out for the Sixers on Monday, but bruised his thigh during combine activities on Thursday. Johnson serves as his replacement.
UPDATE (10:30 am): Dedric Lawson is no longer working out for the Sixers on Monday. He was replaced by Temple power forward Jaylen Bond.