With the 24th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select…
Blue Route is bringing you draft coverage leading up to the NBA draft on June 20th, 2019. The Philadelphia 76ers are slated to select 24th pick in the draft. The NBA draft often sees movement, trades, and drama, so to prepare you for various potential outcomes, the Blue Route will be giving you draft profiles for the all of the likely top picks, as well as our very own mock draft.
2019 NBA Mock Draft Results
- New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson
- Memphis Grizzlies – Ja Morant
- New York Knicks – RJ Barrett
- Los Angeles Lakers – Jarrett Culver
- Cleveland Cavaliers – DeAndre Hunter
- Phoenix Suns – Coby White
- Chicago Bulls – Cam Reddish
- Atlanta Hawks – Sekou Doumbouya
- Washington Wizards – Bol BolÂ
- Atlanta Hawks – Jaxson HayesÂ
- Minnesota Timberwolves – Nickeil Alexander-Walker
- Charlotte Hornets – Darius Garland
- Miami Heat – PJ Washington
- Boston Celtics – Brandon Clarke
- Detroit Pistons – Rui Hachimura
- Orlando Magic – Goga Bitazde
- Atlanta Hawks – Nassir Little
- Indiana Pacers – Bruno Fernando
- San Antonio Spurs – Cam Johnson
- Boston Celtics – Talen Horton-Tucker
- Oklahoma City Thunder – Tyler Herro
- Boston Celtics – Romeo Langford
- Utah Jazz – Matisse Thybulle
Current State of the Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers have an interesting summer ahead, and for entertaining and unfortunate reasons, the word interesting has become far too familiar in the city of Philadelphia. They head into the offseason with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Zhaire Smith, Jonah Bolden, Jonathon Simmons (kind of), and Shake Milton; meanwhile, franchise-altering decisions await.
Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris will be free agents come July 1, and they’ll certainly receive league-wide interest. A month after pushing the NBA champion Toronto Raptors to the brink, the phrase “run it back” has become a rally cry. There’s legitimacy behind believing that the 76ers have the talent to win it all if they do indeed run it back.
A healthy Joel Embiid, an engaged Ben Simmons, a re-signed Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler, as well as development from Jonah Bolden and Zhaire Smith are the current goals; then, we look at who the Sixers can potentially add to the mix.
Looking ahead into 2019 Free Agency
It comes down to the aforementioned Butler and Harris. The team has made it clear that they plan on bringing the two of them back and are willing to spend the necessary costs to do so. Here’s the thing – that’s just talk. The question will remain – is Josh Harris actually willing to?
Let’s say the 76ers do indeed bring back Harris and Butler. The primary focus would then turn to filling a bench. One would assume the Sixers would attempt to retain JJ Redick, and guys like Mike Scott, James Ennis III, and Boban Marjanovic also remain a question mark.
Outside of the Sixers, some guys to keep an eye on are Danny Green and Dewayne Dedmon.The Sixers’ depth was exposed at times during the 2018-19 season, most notably in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors, unable to court a playable backup center. Dedmon, and guys like Nerlens Noel, Thomas Bryant, or Enes Kanter would be solid Embiid backups.
The Selection – Kevin Porter Jr.
Kevin Porter Jr. played one season at the University of Southern California and averaged 9.5 points a game in 22.1 minutes, along with 4.0 rebounds. His shooting splits were fantastic, however he struggled from the free throw line. He shot 47.1 percent from the field, 41.2 percent from three, and just 52.2 percent from the foul line.
Porter Jr. turned 19 in May, and he is a raw, 6’5″ and 215-lb. shooting guard prospect, who would be a nice fit with the way Brett Brown runs his offense and defense; three and D, mixed with freakish athleticism.
You have to admit that it’d be fun to watch KPJ run alongside Zhaire Smith in transition (hopefully as soon as the Las Vegas Summer League). Porter Jr. also has the ability to slide to the small forward position, which is exactly what the Sixers need, switchable options on offense and defense, much like Zhaire Smith.
Rookie Prediction
If drafted by Philadelphia, alongside Brett Brown’s hesitation towards playing young dudes, I don’t see Porter Jr. getting much run with the regular rotation in his rookie year, however nobody expected Landry Shamet to take on such a hefty workload, eventually becoming a key starter for the Los Angeles Clippers after the Tobias Harris trade.
Porter Jr. would compete with Zhaire Smith, Jonathon Simmons, and Shake Milton, as well as any other wings the Sixers add via the draft or free agency. The fact of the matter is if KPJ hits his shots and plays defense, Brown will find a spot for him. It’s not an age bias with Brown; it’s an effort and preparation bias.
Projected Stats, Per Game: 8.2 minutes per game (24 games played in the NBA, most being played with the Delaware Blue Coats), 2.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks. Porter Jr. needs time, and the system that Delaware has created, which is much like the one Brett Brown runs in Philly, would be great for his development.
