In lieu of a full mock draft this week littered with a million second-round picks, I decided we’d tackle a scenario that at first glance seems absolutely within reason: What happens if Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell go 1-2 in the draft? I don’t have an answer, but let’s talk about it a little bit.
The inspiration for the post came from Chad Ford’s latest chat on ESPN.com, in which he received back-to-back questions that pertain to this subject. First, Ford was asked what the Lakers are going to do with the second pick. Here is his answer:
If Towns is there at 2, that's a lock. If it's Okafor, I think it's up in the air between Okafor, Russell and Mudiay. All three in the mix. But not strong feeling right now which guy it would be. I also hear they are digging on Porzingis, though I doubt they have the guts to take him that high.
Right after, Ford was submitted a question from a Sixers fan that was framed the by asking if he was crazy for wanting Sam Hinkie to select Croatian wing Mario Hezonja with the third pick. Again, here is his response:
No. If D'Angelo Russell is there, I think Philly will take him. They were on Mudiay early, but I think Russell became their guy late. If he's not there Mudiay is a strong option. But Hezonja won't be out of the question there. And on talent, he's close.
Ford is plugged in enough that he’s one of the few people whose educated guesses I’ll place some stock in. Notice that’s all it was, though, as Ford made sure to clarify he *thinks* Russell will be the Sixers’ man at 3. That certainly seems to be the popular line of thinking about what is currently going on inside PCOM. Russell looks like this year’s Andrew Wiggins in terms of hype, which was never technically proven right or wrong due to Joel Embiid’s injury.
Regardless, Ford laid out the scenario in his chat where Russell isn’t available to the Sixers at 3: First, Minnesota chooses Towns over Jahlil Okafor. Then, the Lakers decide to pair Russell in the backcourt with Kobe for a year than do the same with Okafor and Julius Randle long-term.
The Sixers would be faced with an interesting decision at 3. Outside of Towns, I am of the opinion (as of right now, it’s still being fully formed) that the next six or seven guys on the draft board are relatively close in quality as prospects. Okafor might be more coveted by most teams, but his shortcomings (defense and lack of shooting) worry me enough to place him in the next tier. For that reason, maybe there’s a trade to be made with Triangle-loving New York Knicks involving the fourth pick and some extra sweeteners. Maybe the Sixers love Okafor’s talent and choose to figure out the logjam in the frontcourt after.
The person who asked that question must listen to The Rights to Ricky Sanchez podcast, two guys who are big Hezonja backers. They’re not necessarily wrong. There’s a lot to like about the 20-year-old wing that plays for Barcelona (but not alongside Messi and Neymar). I really like his entire offensive arsenal, particularly his shooting. This high in the draft, I’m looking for a player that can shoot unless they do literally everything else at an elite level. Hezonja should be a guy that receives a lot of buzz both in Philly and around the entire basketball world in general over the next few weeks.
Emmanuel Mudiay could possibly be the guy at 3. Maybe there’s a more significant trade down and Kristaps Porzingis is the pick. Regardless, draft season is fully in swing and all of the potential scenarios need to be discussed. D’Angelo Russell being off the board when the Sixers pick certainly qualifies.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann