The Philadelphia 76ers shocked the world when they traded away the reigning Rookie of the Year and the team’s leading scorer man Michael Carter-Williams 41 games into his second season but the message from management was clear. The team was committed to rebuilding a contender with the right young core in place and they were willing to do whatever they felt it would take to develop a championship team.
The 76ers still have a stockpile of young talent as well as the No. 3 pick in this year’s NBA Draft and that has created another very interesting situation. Reports have indicated Philadelphia is very interested in drafting Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell with the third overall pick and that would complete an impressive young starting five that would potentially be a lot closer to competing than some think. Here is a look at what would happen to every 76ers’ fantasy value for next season if Philadelphia selects Russell at No. 3.
D’Angelo Russell, Point Guard
Russell would become an immediate starter for the 76ers as a rookie where he would slot in as the latest piece in a strong young starting five. At 6’5”, Russell already has excellent size that makes him an intriguing combo guard but he will have to work on his strength and ability to finish at the rim. The fact that Russell is such an excellent shooter should help his transition to the NBA level and his excellent vision could help him thrive at the point guard position where he would be the second or third scoring option. That would be enough to make him fantasy relevant, although he would be much more valuable in keeper leagues than in annual leagues where he would project as a late round pick worth taking a chance on.
Nerlens Noel, Center
There has been a lot of talk about Noel’s emergence and his potential to develop in to an elite starting center in the Eastern Conference, so there is every reason to think Russell’s selection will help both his short and long term value. Noel averaged 13.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.1 steals in his final 26 games of the season and if he is able to take another big step entering his second season, then he has the potential to become an absolute fantasy stud.
Tony Wroten, Shooting Guard
A big reason Russell would be able to step in right away would be the presence of Wroten at the shooting guard spot where he would be able to help bring the rookie along in the 76ers’ backcourt. Wroten was at his best when he was playing with MCW and the arrival of another elite talent at the point guard spot could help his overall production (he averaged 16.9 points, 5.2 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game last season). The biggest question is whether Wroten stays in Philadelphia as part of their core group moving forward with rumors circulating that the 76ers have gauged his trade value heading in to the 2015 NBA Draft.
Robert Covington, Small Forward
Covington was excellent for the 76ers down the stretch as he averaged 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.4 blocks per game in his final 27 games following the All-Star break. Management is high on Covington as the team’s starting small forward for years to come and he would more than likely put up similar numbers for Philadelphia next season regardless of whether or not Russell is drafted at No. 2 overall.
Isaiah Canaan, Point Guard
Canaan’s fantasy value would take an obvious hit after he averaged 9.2 points, 2.1 assists and 1.9 blocks per game for the 76ers last season while sharing the point guard role with Ish Smith down the stretch. Canaan would probably remain in the team’s plans as a backup but his fantasy relevance would take a major hit.
Joel Embiid, Center
Embiid didn’t play in a single game for Philadelphia in his rookie season but he will have the opportunity to earn some valuable minutes this coming year – most likely coming off the bench. It will be very interesting to see how Embiid plays and whether or not he is able to earn big minutes in the 76ers rotation. There’s potential to form a fierce big man tandem with Noel in the near future as long as he is able to stay healthy.
Ish Smith, Point Guard
Smith also showed flashes for Philadelphia but he would appear to be the odd man out if Russell is drafted as he would likely be relegated to a spot duty role. He hasn’t really shown great upside anyways, so he’ll be an emergency option off the bench if injuries became an issue at any point.
