A Royal Pain
Fansided

2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0

By Tyler Watts

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) fights for position defended by Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Davon Dillard (24) during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) fights for position defended by Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Davon Dillard (24) during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Philadelphia 76ers (via Sacramento Kings)- Josh Jackson- SF- Kansas

The Philadelphia 76ers had a very clear draft plan under former GM Sam Hinkie.  They took the best player available no matter what.  That is how you end up with a roster of Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, and Nerlens Noel (since traded to Dallas).  All three centers and all wanting 30 minutes, but you can only give one that workload.

It will be interesting to see if the new front office thinks the same way.  Philadelphia has a very defined need if they are going to play last year’s first overall pick at point guard and that is shooting.  Malik Monk, the best shooter in this draft, is available, but so are more well-rounded players.  If the Sixers stay at pick three, I believe they select the best available player, or they trade back and select Monk.  I have them holding and choosing Josh Jackson.

Why Josh Jackson?

Josh Jackson’s A Royal Prospect Profile

Josh Jackson is a standout on the defensive end of the floor.  He should be an immediate boost to Philadelphia’s defense that rated 17th in the NBA by defensive rating last season.

Jackson will improve the 76ers wing depth and give them a stout defensive option to play in tandem with Robert Covington.  Philadelphia is trending upward, and a starting five of Simmons, Covington, Jackson, Dario Saric, and Embiid looks pretty formidable.  Do not be surprised to see the Sixers on the periphery of playoff contention in 2018.

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