Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#3 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting PG/SG D’Angelo Russell (Ohio State, Freshman)
The case could be made for China’s PG Emmanuel Mudiay here, but Russell is the safer and more talented option. The most dynamic scorer in this class, Russell averaged 19.3 points per game with respectable efficiency: 45% from the field and 76% from the line. While an excellent slasher as well, Russell particularly excels in the three-ball, connecting on 2.7 per game on a blazing 41% clip. In addition, he also chipped in 5.7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. With a frontcourt duo of the future consisting of defensive studs PF/C Nerlens Noel and C Joel Embiid, the 76ers could really use a go-to scorer and some three-point shooting -- something that Mudiay can’t necessarily offer. Though turnovers (3 per game) and athleticism are slight issues, Russell should have no problem handling the offense just as well, if not better, than former Philadelphia PG Michael Carter-Williams.
Worst Case Scenario: Drafting PG Emmanuel Mudiay (China, 19 years old)
Throw the fast-rising PF/C Kristaps Porzingis’ name next to Mudiay’s. This is by no means an insult to the phenomenal point guard, nor one to the Latvian power forward. Mudiay is a fantastic point guard, capable of taking over the reins of a franchise in due time, and could be an instant contributor. Averaging 18 points, 6.3 assists, 6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game -- all while shooting 48% from the field -- in his time in China, there’s no denying Mudiay’s talent and potential. However, he shot an awful 57.4% from the line and a below-average 34% from long-range. As Noel and Embiid in their frontcourt already present spacing issues and don’t necessarily need a flashy passer like Mudiay to operate. D’Angelo Russell is simply the better fit for Philly.
(#3 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting PG/SG D’Angelo Russell (Ohio State, Freshman)
The case could be made for China’s PG Emmanuel Mudiay here, but Russell is the safer and more talented option. The most dynamic scorer in this class, Russell averaged 19.3 points per game with respectable efficiency: 45% from the field and 76% from the line. While an excellent slasher as well, Russell particularly excels in the three-ball, connecting on 2.7 per game on a blazing 41% clip. In addition, he also chipped in 5.7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. With a frontcourt duo of the future consisting of defensive studs PF/C Nerlens Noel and C Joel Embiid, the 76ers could really use a go-to scorer and some three-point shooting -- something that Mudiay can’t necessarily offer. Though turnovers (3 per game) and athleticism are slight issues, Russell should have no problem handling the offense just as well, if not better, than former Philadelphia PG Michael Carter-Williams.
Worst Case Scenario: Drafting PG Emmanuel Mudiay (China, 19 years old)
Throw the fast-rising PF/C Kristaps Porzingis’ name next to Mudiay’s. This is by no means an insult to the phenomenal point guard, nor one to the Latvian power forward. Mudiay is a fantastic point guard, capable of taking over the reins of a franchise in due time, and could be an instant contributor. Averaging 18 points, 6.3 assists, 6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game -- all while shooting 48% from the field -- in his time in China, there’s no denying Mudiay’s talent and potential. However, he shot an awful 57.4% from the line and a below-average 34% from long-range. As Noel and Embiid in their frontcourt already present spacing issues and don’t necessarily need a flashy passer like Mudiay to operate. D’Angelo Russell is simply the better fit for Philly.