2011 NBA Draft: 5 Players the 76ers Should Draft

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With the 2011 NBA Draft just nine days away, the bigger buzz surrounding the 76ers seems to be the trade rumors. But let’s take a look at five guys who would be great choices for the 76ers with their 16th overall pick.

(These players are in no order of best choice to least.)

 

Read some of my other pre-draft articles:

Milwaukee Bucks Draft Options

Jimmy Butler and Jon Leuer Draft Projections

Bismack Biyombo, Congo

Biyombo is known for being a great shot blocker and a fantastic athlete. Biyombo is easily the best defender in this year’s draft. Although Biyombo did not impress NBA scouts at the 2011 Adidas Eurocamp, he is still a good choice for the 76ers.

Biyombo definitely has an NBA body and a crazy wingspan at 7'6". Philly is looking for a post presence, and while Biyombo doesn’t have a good jump shot, he has the speed to get past some of the league’s bigger power forwards.

With Biyombo, Philly could look to steal a higher spot in the playoffs next year.

Jordan Hamilton, Texas

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Hamilton would be a great addition. Especially if Iguodala is traded after all. Hamilton could step in and possibly take the starting spot at the small forward position.

A definite shooter, Hamilton has great range and can run the floor very well. Although he can get a bit selfish at times Hamilton should settle down with his shot selection once he’s in the NBA.

Hamilton should look to improve is lateral quickness and work on becoming a better passer. Hamilton has a great scoring punch that Philly definitely could use. He works hard on defense as well, pulling down about eight rebounds per game last season for Texas.

Tristan Thompson, Texas

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Another product of Texas, Thompson, if he is still left at 16, would be a promising pick for the 76ers.

Thompson is a monster on the offensive boards and is also another great athlete for the 76ers to choose from. Thompson could give the 76ers a scoring punch along with a nice defensive strong point as well.

Chances are that Thompson will not be left when the 76ers are on the clock, but who knows!

Markieff Morris, Kansas

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One of the hardest working players in the draft, Morris would be a great fit in Philly. He can rebound, score, and he works really hard in the paint.

If the 76ers were to draft Morris, I think they would find themselves in the playoffs next year. He could be that piece that they need to move forward to better things.

Kenneth Faried, Morhead State

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Known easily as the best rebounder in the draft, Faried is a monster. Since a sophomore at Morehead State, Faried averaged 13-plus rebounds per game for three straight seasons.

In his senior season, he averaged an amazing 14.5 rebounds per game. And he isn’t just a rebound; shot-blocking and scoring are also strong points of Faried’s.

Philly could definitely use Faried’s rebound skills.