The 2015 NBA Draft is mere days away and one of the more interesting storylines that has emerged is what the Philadelphia 76ers will do with the No. 3 overall pick. Philly general manager Sam Hinkie has been praised by some and blasted by others for his purposeful tanking efforts over the last few seasons. While collecting young talent and enticing trade assets puts the 76ers in advantageous positions, sooner or later he has to produce some on-court results and that has yet to happen. Will Hinkie add a talent in the draft that can help this year or will he continue looking forward?
ESPN Insider Chad Ford projects the 76ers to select point guard Emmanuel Mudiay in his Grade A Mock Draft 2.0. Here's what he had to say about the pick.
"Nerlens Noel looked like a keeper after a strong finish to his rookie year. Joel Embiid has the potential to be the best player in the 2014 draft if he can stay healthy (which is a major question mark right now) and keep progressing. The Sixers could end up with a monster front line in a few years. What they need - desperately - is some backcourt help. In the first version of the 'Grade: A' mock draft, I had them grabbing [D'Angelo] Russell. But after watching them both workout and interviewing them, I actually think it's Mudiay who has the slight edge over Russell. He's bigger, more athletic and I think he has a unique maturity that will matter in the league. He doesn't provide the shooting that Russell does, but his shot isn't broken. He's clearly been working on it. Defensively? Mudiay is far ahead."
Mudiay spent the last season playing professionally in China. However, he dealt with injuries and his playing time was inconsistent. Despite this unconventional route to the NBA, he is a highly regarded prospect with high upside. He won't help Philly's spacing issues, at least not immediately. But he can more than replace the traded Michael Carter-Williams at the point guard position.
