Trae Young claims the Sixers are interested in him, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The Oklahoma freshman point guard was interviewed by Philadelphia at the NBA draft combine. “They are looking for a playmaker all-around,” Young said. “I know they are interested in me. But you never know how things will fall.”
Given the composition of the Sixers’ roster, it’s hard to see how Young would fit in. They have budding superstar Ben Simmons and last year’s No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz along with valuable backup T.J. McConnell to share the ballhandling duties. The Sixers hold the No. 10 and No. 26 picks in the first round and Young is currently ranked No. 6 by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, so Philadelphia would likely have to move up to draft him if the interest is genuine.
In other combine developments:
- Duke center Wendell Carter Jr. and Kentucky forward Kevin Knox met with the Knicks on Friday, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports. The Knicks own the No. 9 pick. Carter is ranked No. 7 by Givony while Knox is listed at No. 15.
- Carter also interviewed with the Bulls, as K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune tweets, and the Sixers, according to Pompey. The Bulls have the No. 7 pick.
- Miami shooting guard Lonnie Walker met with the Magic, Bulls, Sixers and Knicks, all teams with Top 10 selections, Bryan Kalbrosky of Hoops Hype tweets. The Clippers, who hold picks 12 and 13, are also interested in Walker, Kalbrosky adds. Walker is ranked No. 14 by Givony but those meetings could indicate that he’ll go higher in draft day.
- The Trail Blazers interviewed forward Brian Bowen, who sat out last season after his controversial recruitment by Louisville, Jason Quick of NBCSNorthwest tweets. Bowen is still mulling whether to attend South Carolina or remain in the draft, Quick adds. Bowen barely cracks Givony’s Top 100 at No. 96.
- Top point guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Collin Sexton and Young were interviewed by the Suns, Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic relays. Phoenix has the No. 1 and No. 16 selections. Texas center Mohamed Bamba, Michigan State forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and Carter are some of the other prominent players who met with the Suns.
Wrong Wendell Carter
Interested to see what Clips do with 12 and 13. Feel they could get a guy with one trade down for a 2nd and another or attach the second pick and dump Gallos deal. Be interesting to see what Jerry West has up his sleeve.
Why not just stand pat and take Sexton/Walker and Williams? Trade DJ.
I don’t see the Sixers taking a short guard in the 1st. Maybe with a 2nd round pick to replace T.J. McConnell after next year (think Jevon Carter/Tony Carr).
Sexton 6’1.5″
Young 6’1.75″
Brunson 6’2.25″
Simons 6’3.25″
Maybe Khyri Thomas at 26 – b/c he has a 6’10.5″ wingspan being only 6’3.75″ who is a very good defensive guard. Or a tweener – Keita Bates-Diop 6’8 w/a 7’3 wingspan would be good at 26.
10 is too high for Lonnie Walker. I don’t like his handle for a combo guard, it’s a slower herky jerky play.
I like SGA’s size and play over Walker, but I do NOT like a guard that shoots a ball with no lift. Shake Milton is a super long guard (7-ft wingspan) but no lift again.
If they are taking anyone other than Michael Porter Jr. or Mikal Bridges I’d be upset. Miles Bridges measured in smaller than I’d like. The Sixers could post a line-up with no one shorter than 6’9″ if they get LeBron. Simmons – LBJ – Porter/Mikal – Embiid – Saric.
If they go guard, whichever guard hey covet at 10 needs to be a leaper – must be able to finish at the rim via lob or drive AND already have a shot.
If you’re referring to Ben Simmons, he’s 6’10” tall.
link to nbadraft.net
Anfernee simons dude. He’s just mentioning draft picks.
As I said previously, I think we’ll hear more about guards and wings moving up
Taking a Big is always risky b/c they have to “develop” versus a guard or wing who can step right in.
This is like the first time I have read Shai Alexander’s name in articles like this. SMH Great #16 pick and he might last that long at this rate.
—
Philly will look silly moving up for Young since doing that for Fultz has not yet worked out. Colangelo likes PGs but get real. If they do, it’s for Lebron. The Knicks did not take SmithJr and it cost them consideration. Philly wants to be considered.
The only way the Knicks could have gotten LBJ was via trade tho.