The 2024-25 NBA season has come to an exhilarating conclusion, leaving fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder in a state of celebration while other teams begin their offseason preparations. With the NBA Draft just days away, the landscape is rapidly changing, highlighted by a significant trade that saw a star player exchanged for a lottery pick, albeit with a surprising absence of additional first-round selections. As the draft approaches, analysts are weighing in on how these transactions might influence the upcoming selections.
Jonathan Givony from ESPN has released his final mock draft in the wake of the NBA Finals, shedding light on potential picks. Notably, he has the Philadelphia 76ers selecting VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick. Givony mentions that while Edgecombe appeared nervous during his private workout in Philadelphia and struggled with his shooting, he made a strong impression during team interviews. The Sixers' front office seems to value character and interactions more than one workout performance, which bodes well for Edgecombe's draft stock.
Despite the troubling memories of Markelle Fultz for fans, it seems that the Sixers are focused more on Edgecombe's potential and character rather than a single poor performance. His ability to connect during meetings has solidified his position as a likely candidate for the third pick.
Ricky O'Donnell from SB Nation shares a similar view, maintaining his mock draft with the Sixers also selecting Edgecombe at third overall. He notes minimal movement within the top ten of his draft predictions, although he has adjusted the rankings of other prospects. Duke’s Khaman Maluach has dropped from six to eight, allowing Texas guard Tre Johnson and Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears to rise in the ranks.
O'Donnell also contemplates the uncertain status of Ace Bailey, a player whose pre-draft process has raised eyebrows. He suggests that while Bailey's self-confidence may appeal to some teams, concerns about his “low feel” tendencies at Rutgers could hinder his draft stock. Nevertheless, Bailey's undeniable talent means he could still be a worthwhile gamble for a team willing to take the risk.
In a twist of events, Kevin O'Connor from Yahoo! Sports proposes a different scenario, predicting that the Sixers will trade their third pick along with Kelly Oubre Jr. to acquire the seventh overall pick from the New Orleans Pelicans, along with a future first-round pick and Herb Jones. This mock draft suggests that the Sixers could select Maluach instead, highlighting the Pelicans' keen interest in Bailey, positioning them as natural trade partners.
O'Connor emphasizes that the Pelicans are actively trying to move up in the draft, driven by their interest in Bailey. He speculates that if Bailey’s stock continues to drop, the Pelicans might not need to trade up to secure him, although their aggressive pursuit suggests otherwise.
Colin Ward-Henninger from CBS Sports also predicts a future for Bailey at the third overall pick but aligns with O'Connor regarding his fit within the Sixers. He argues that despite some red flags, Bailey’s positional fit and scoring ability make him an attractive option for Philadelphia. The Sixers are not only considering immediate impact but also potential trade value, which could be crucial for their future.
Ward-Henninger points out that Bailey’s scoring prowess could alleviate pressure on stars like Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. However, he also acknowledges the challenge of developing a player like Bailey in a win-now environment, particularly given his apparent desire for personal accolades on the court.
The consensus among experts is clear: the 2024 NBA Draft will become particularly captivating when the Sixers are on the clock. With various scenarios unfolding, including trades and differing opinions on top prospects like Edgecombe and Bailey, fans are eagerly awaiting the draft's outcome.
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