It's no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers are at a critical crossroads, and this offseason means a lot to them. Despite another disappointment this season in the Embiid era, it's clear that the Phillies are on the edge of a precipice.
Luckily, the 76ers are off to a good start in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The goal of the 76ers has always been clear: to create a true championship team in Philadelphia. While they have always missed out on the title in the past, this summer they are expected to shake off the problems that have plagued the team for a long time and start a new chapter.
At the moment, the 76ers' roster is almost a blank slate, which not only gives them a lot of room for active recruitment in the free market, but also gives them the opportunity to build an ideal team around Embiid.
Tyrese Maxey's explosion this season has breathed new life into the 76ers, and he has proven himself not only to be a true star, but also to be an indispensable deputy to the team. Despite Maxey's imminent restricted free agent, it is widely expected that his contract extension with the 76ers is only a matter of time, with a lucrative contract waiting for him.
Before the 76ers prepare to make waves in free agency, they have a chance to use the draft to start the game's championship run. And they did.
In the 2024 draft, Morey once again showed his eye for low-pick picks, selecting two players who could immediately help the team. Judging by the 76ers' goals, their performance in the draft can be called A-list.
16th pick in the first round: Jarred McCain
The 76ers selected Jarred McCain, a guard from the Duke University Blue Devils with the 16th pick in the first round, who is considered one of the best shooters in the draft.
The only question in choosing McCain is his stature. Maxey and McCain are both smaller defenders, which could pose some challenges on the defensive end. However, such concerns cannot overshadow McCain's shining points on the offensive end.
McCain averaged 14.3 points, five rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game last season while shooting 46.2 percent from the field, 41.4 percent from three-point range and 61.1 percent from the field. He has excellent shooting skills, quick and accurate shots, and is able to quickly launch offense from the outside.
In addition to the three-point shot, McCain can also attack the opponent's defense in other ways. Imagine Embiid's huge containment on the inside and the easy shooting opportunities McCain will create on the outside, which is undoubtedly an exciting thing for 76ers coach Nick Nurse. McCain should have ample opportunity to showcase his talent in Philadelphia.
Of course, McCain's potential is a real problem. His best fit is as a shooting guard, but his height is not ideal. However, McCain has a number of strengths that are difficult to quantify, and those strengths may ease some of the concerns. His excellent instant combat ability is undoubtedly suitable for the current 76ers.
41st pick in the second round: Adam Boehner
The 76ers selected UCLA center Adem Boehner with the 41st pick, which was seen as another classic example of Morey's second-round success.
In previous draft predictions, Bona had a good chance of finishing in the top 20. But the 76ers pocketed him midway through the second round, which was undoubtedly a successful robbery.
This season, Bonner is averaging 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 58.8 percent from the field.
In the past, the 76ers have been on the lookout for big men who can step up while Embiid rests. Boehner's arrival has convinced people that he is the inside answer that the 76ers have been looking for.
On the offensive end, Bona has excellent under-basket movement and athleticism. He will be a reliable finisher for the 76ers on the offensive end. Boehner's aggressiveness is evident on both ends of the floor, especially on the defensive end, where he averaged career-high steals and blocks per game last season at UCLA.
Therefore, the 76ers' choice this time is very wise. They managed to find a player who can make a big difference next season, and that player has a lot of potential.
Why the 76ers are the biggest winners of the draft
Admittedly, other teams have also had a strong performance in the draft. The Wizards have selected several potential rising stars on the road to rebuilding; The Timberwolves stole Rob Dillingham at a low price, which can be described as a discerning pearl; The Lakers used the 17th pick to acquire Dalton Knecht, a valuable player.
In this draft, the 76ers have been exceptionally steady in every step of the way, using their draft picks precisely to select players who can bring championship hope to the team. It's just a small move, but it could make a big difference in the team's fortunes.
The 76ers reportedly plan to bring in a third superstar for Embiid and Maxey this offseason, who will take up most of their salary space, affecting the team's other starters and role players.
Against this backdrop, the 76ers brought in McCain and Boehner, two players who could immediately contribute to the team, in the draft, and solved many of the team's problems in roster depth from the start.
So, in this draft, the 76ers did an excellent job within the scope of what they needed to do.
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