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Meet the Draftees

07-26-15

PHILADELPHIA- The draft has come and gone, the pundits making their lists and grading each long before any of these new rookies reach the court. The Sixers ended up with four picks at the draft, selecting two guards and two big men. League chatter said the team did fairly well with their selections. Let’s meet the four new players who may, or may not, be wearing Sixers jerseys next season.

Pick 25: R.J. Hunter- SG – 6’6”, 185 lbs., Georgia State (Jr.)

Why They Picked Him: The Sixers actually wanted Tyus Jones with this pick. However, the Nets selected him right before, at the 24^th slot. The next player on VT’s list was Kevon Looney. However, earlier that day, GM Sheed of the Indiana Pacers approached VT and said he would give him picks #27 for picks #30 and #53 if none of his guys were available at #27. The Sixers knew the Pacers wanted Hunter, a player VT was also considering. After making sure that the Bulls weren’t going to select Looney at #26, they picked Hunter. GM Sheed immediately traded the Sixers #27 for #30 and #53.

Pros: Hunter can shoot the lights out. He may have the best jump shot in the entire draft this year. Leave this guy open and he will score on you. Think JJ Redick.

Cons: Hunter still struggles with creating his own shot. He isn’t very strong or explosive, so getting looks without the help of a good point guard is an issue for him. Put a good defender on him and he’s locked down.

How He Fits In: Hunter will struggle to find playing time if the Sixers roster stays the way it is in the fall. Even with the Vince Carter trade, the Sixers have a logjam at guard with DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Martin and Ben McLemore all looking for minutes. However, the team does recognize its salary cap issues and if DeRozan or Martin are moved in the fall, Hunter could see the light of day. Otherwise, it will take some catastrophic injuries for him to play.

Pick 27: Kevon Looney- PF – 6’,9”, 222 lbs., UCLA (Freshman)

Why They Picked Him: The Sixers need big man help and Looney was the best available in the bottom end of the first round. The team likes his potential and feel he is a potential sleeper candidate, especially if his injured hip turns out not to be a big deal.

Pros: Aggressive player who can rebound the ball. Can shoot from a distance, making him difficult to guard. Has good on-court vision and isn’t a selfish player. Has a 7’ 1” wingspan.

Cons: Red flagged with a potential hip issue, Looney plummeted down the draft board. The team will have to be cautious with how much they use him. Needs to bulk up. Will have some trouble against tougher PFs.

How He Fits In: With Ed Davis and Luis Scola likely lost to the wilds of free agency, Looney has a chance to get some floor time, especially if the team also moves LaMarcus Aldridge. It is true that GM VT may play Jabari Parker at the four off the bench next season and if that’s the case, Looney will struggle to find minutes.

Pick 33: Rakeem Christmas- PF/C- 6’9”, 245 lbs., Syracuse (Snr).

Why They Picked Him: They needed a big man and felt Christmas was the most ready in the early second round.

Pros: Christmas has a giant 7’5” wingspan. He can move quick, getting up and down the floor at a fleet pace, making him a good athlete for his size. He is a good defender and can get his own shot.

Cons: Christmas is a little undersized for a center. He will likely struggle against bigger, tougher players in the paint. He also needs to expand his game as he’s known to hang out a bit under the basket.

How He Fits In: He may be D-League or trade fodder, but with the team’s current lack of big players, Christmas could very well find himself a part of the team’s rotation come the fall.

Pick 41: Andrew Harrison- PG/SG – 6’6”, 215 lbs., Kentucky (Soph).

Why They Picked Him: With all the other PGs off the board, the Sixers took Harrison. They wanted Olivier Hanlon or Joseph Young with this pick, but they were both already selected.

Pros: A large point guard, Harrison can shoot the ball well and possesses PG skills. He is good at penetrating in the paint and getting to the line.

Cons: Not particularly quick. Sometimes has issues with shot selection, taking lousy shots. Has some problems with attitude.

How He Fits In: The Sixers are still trying to figure out who will be backing up Damian Lillard in the fall. They just moved Kirk Hinrich and got back Shelvin Mack, but even Mack may be gone before the season starts. There is a very good chance that Harrison won’t make the team. If he does, he will likely spend time in the D-League.