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NBA Draft 2017: 5 targets for the Philadelphia 76ers

By Cody Williams

Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a defensive stop against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a defensive stop against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

4. De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky

Despite the preseason hype surrounding Malik Monk and Bam Adebayo, it was De’Aaron Fox that truly shined more than anyone for the Kentucky Wildcats this past season. The explosive point guard proved to be a big-time gamer, unafraid of the moment and able to make plays both for himself and his teammates in most any situation.

Fox averaged 16.7 points, 4.6 assists and four rebounds per game in his lone season in Lexington. What stood out about his ability as a primary ball-handler was his ability to effectively run the show both in the open floor and in the halfcourt. What’s more, he also possess elite quickness and nice length that give him great defensive potential on the perimeter.

It’s not all sunshine and roses with Fox, unfortunately. The point guard’s jump shot leaves a lot to be desired. He also has a bit of a wiry frame as of right now, meaning he’ll need to add muscle to withstand the rigors of playing in the much more physical NBA. Also, as quality of a playmaker as he is, his passing at times leaves something to be desired.

In terms of talent and potential, though, Fox figures to be worth the No. 3 pick for the 76ers. Much like with Ball, though, the fit isn’t exactly ideal. Where the Sixers roster is seriously lacking moving forward is in terms of quality shooting and scoring from the perimeter. Ball actually would provide more of that than Fox right away. However, neither player is great in that regard, thus making him an odd fit in Philadelphia.

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