NBA Draft Rumors: Sixers like Dante Exum, Marcus Smart

Earlier today, news broke suggesting that the Philadelphia 76ers were interested in obtaining an additional top ten pick, a bit odd considering they already own the No. 3 and No. 10 selections in the 2014 NBA Draft. However, now we have a reasoning behind their intentions.

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According to Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, the Sixers like both Dante Exum and Marcus Smart and would like to obtain a pick putting them in position to draft either player.

“Philadelphia has been intrigued with the possibility of drafting a point guard with one of its picks in the draft, closely studying Dante Exum and Marcus Smart, sources said. Smart wouldn’t be selected with Philly’s third overall pick, sources said, but Exum does become a candidate for the Sixers at No. 3.”

This news comes on the heels of Joel Embiid’s foot injury, so it’s hard to know what exactly is going to happen with his draft stock and how it may improve the stock of others. One player who would likely see a direct benefit of Embiid falling is point guard Dante Exum, who many believe won’t slip past the Utah Jazz with the No. 5 pick. It’s possible the Sixers could be looking into taking Exum with that third overall selection and then trading for a pick just a few selections behind to draft another big name player.

The Boston Celtics (No. 6), Los Angeles Lakers (No. 7) and Sacramento Kings (No. 8) have all been teams who have previously been reported open to moving their draft picks, so if the Sixers want to make such a move, it appears they’ll have a selection of suitors to choose from.