Report: Philadelphia 76ers like De’Aaron Fox, Dennis Smith Jr.
By John Buhler
The Philadelphia 76ers have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Reportedly, they are looking at point guards De’Aaron Fox and Dennis Smith Jr.
The 2017 NBA Draft looks to be a loaded one, particularly at the point guard position. Washington Huskies point guard Markelle Fultz and UCLA Bruins point guard Lonzo Ball are expected to go one-two to the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively. Now it seems that the Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to improve that position on their team as well with their No. 3 overall selection.
According to New York Knicks beat writer Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, “The Sixers like both De’Aaron Fox and Dennis Smith Jr. for the third pick.” Would taking a point guard at No. 3 be the right move for the 76ers? By taking either Fox or Smith at No. 3, would the 76ers be over-drafting them?
The Sixers like both De'Aaron Fox and Dennis Smith Jr. for the third pick, according to sources.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) May 24, 2017
Taking Fox at No. 3 would make sense, as he is largely viewed as a top-five prospect in this draft. With presumably Fultz and Ball already off the board, Philadelphia would be wise to go with one of three best available at No. 3: Fox out of Kentucky, Duke Blue Devils small forward Jayson Tatum or Kansas Jayhawks small forward Josh Jackson.
However, taking Smith at No. 3 would be a reach. He did not have a solid season at North Carolina State for the Wolfpack. They fired their coach mid-season and it knocked Smith’s draft stock down from top-three at the start of the 2016-17 NCAA season to somewhere in the eight to 10 range.
Smith would be a solid projection to go to the Knicks at No. 8. He could go as high as No. 5 to the dysfunctional Sacramento Kings, but he could also be available for them to take him at No. 10. It’s hard to see Smith being on the board past No. 10, but No. 3 feels way to high.
On the other side of the coin, Fox to the 76ers at No. 3 would be a solid selection for Philadelphia. The 76ers can’t keep treading water with T.J. McConnell at the point. He can be a solid NBA backup point guard, but can’t lead the 76ers to the playoffs as a starter.
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While the 76ers and presumably every team that interviews Fox will love his personality, does he have the necessary skill set to mesh with 76ers’ No. 1 overall pick from last year in Ben Simmons? Simmons projects as a pass-first point forward. He could play some point, but having another ball dominant player like Fox could theoretically stunt both players’ growth in the NBA.