2017 NBA Mock Draft: The 76ers lock up a point guard

As noted in the introduction, the Philadelphia 76ers hold the keys to the draft at No. 3 and the franchise is rumored to be considering both North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith Jr. and Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox. The choice between those two would be a tough one, but Smith’s upside should tip the scale. Additionally, while Fox is a terrific prospect, his fit with the Sixers and Ben Simmons is an awkward one given his lack of shooting.

Smith’s upside is shaped by his elite athleticism and ball-handling ability. He plays low to the ground, penetrates defenses well and can explode vertically in traffic. Smith also shot it well from outside this season making his fit with Simmons less of a concern.

What should be a concern here, though, is whether or not the situation maximizes both Smith and Simmons’ strengths. Smith will be at his best with the ball in his hands, dominating the flow of an offense, and Simmons will likely excel in the same role. Taking the ball out of either players’ hands would seem to limit some of that upside.

That said, prospects are never a sure thing and for as good as Simmons is expected to be, he could always fail. Having a backup option in the form of a high upside point guard isn’t a bad option and Smith fits that role well.

Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.