With Brett Brown serving as Sixers interim GM while the team searches for Bryan Colangelo’s long-term replacement, we aren’t 100% sure who will have final say in Philadelphia’s draft room. Here at Liberty Ballers though, majority rules, and at #9, the community selected Duke big man Wendell Carter Jr.

In his one season at Duke, Carter averaged 13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks as the other half of the Blue Devils’ twin towers alignment alongside Marvin Bagley. Many draft evaluators have been formulating an Al Horford comparison for Carter’s ceiling, high praise on the heels of Horford’s outstanding playoff run. Not long ago, our Jackson Frank wrote an in-depth breakdown of Carter’s game, making the case that he’d be a terrific backup for Joel Embiid if he slipped to Philadelphia at #10.

The 6’10” Carter was a plus contributor on both ends of the court for Mike Krzyzewski’s club. Defensively, he is strong enough to hold his own in the post and possesses the instincts and length (7’4.5” wingspan, 9’1” standing reach) to protect the rim. Carter needs to work on defending the perimeter on switches and pick-and-rolls, but he has very quick feet, so optimism exists that he’ll be able to improve in that area.

Offensively, Carter has good hands and an assortment of moves in the post. He also sports a nice-looking shot, hitting 73.8% of his free throws and 41.3% of his threes. However, as a freshman, he only attempted 46 three-pointers total, so it’s been a point of emphasis for him in workouts to show off how he’s continuing to develop his range.

Similar to Mikal Bridges, Carter respresents a relatively low ceiling, high floor option for teams in the lottery. Carter is never going to be in the conversation as one of the next unicorn big men in the league; he doesn’t have incredible athleticism or play above-the-rim. But he also doesn’t have any huge weaknesses that will render him exploitable by the opposition, and should be able to slide into any number of different lineups and contribute right away.

Philadelphia’s own #10 pick is up next. Oregon wing Troy Brown Jr. has been added as an option. Assuming you don’t have any burner accounts divulging sensitive team information, you’re more qualified than the Sixers’ last GM. Who you got?

Liberty Ballers Community Big Board:

1. Luka Dončić - PG/SG, Real Madrid
2. DeAndre Ayton - C, Arizona
3. Jaren Jackson Jr. - PF/C, Michigan State
4. Marvin Bagley III - PF, Duke
5. Michael Porter Jr. - F, Missouri
6. Mo Bamba - C, Texas
7. Trae Young - PG, Oklahoma
8. Mikal Bridges, SF, Villanova
9. Wendell Carter Jr., PF/C, Duke
10. To be determined