Philadelphia 76ers: 4 Rookies Who Could Turn Team into Immediate Title Contender

The Philadelphia 76ers are in desperate need of a dominant big man. Although the team surprised many NBA fans by advancing to the second round of the 2012 playoffs, there are still major problems that need to be addressed. 

The Sixers need to find a way to score more effectively, and adding a talented center or power forward to the lineup will certainly do that. There are a few Top 15 prospects who would fit right into the Sixers' squad.

Here are four future rookies who could turn the 76ers into an immediate title contender.   

Tyler Zeller

Whether or not Spencer Hawes remains with the team, the Sixers must fix their post game to improve their offense. The team needs a center, and Tyler Zeller is their man. 

At 7'0" and 250 pounds, Zeller has a solid size for an NBA center prospect. In addition to his height, the former Tar Heel has great mobility, with a high level of speed for a person his size. Offensively, Zeller plays excellent down low. His ability in the post, combined with a promising jumper, could make him a versatile factor for the 76ers. 

North Carolina runs an up-tempo offense, so Zeller would fit in perfectly with the Sixers. Philadelphia is a couple key pieces away from being a major contender in the East, but the addition of Zeller would be a big step in the right direction. 

Arnett Moultrie

Arnett Moultrie's raw talent would be a great fit within a young Sixers team, as he possesses the potential to take Philadelphia to the next level. 

Moultrie, who played power forward at Mississippi State, averaged 16.4 points in the 2011-12 season. His hunger on the court is unmatched, and his agility is rare for someone his size, a solid 6'11" and 230 pounds. Moultrie is explosive in the paint and could provide more opportunities for the Sixers to score in their weak spot.

On the other hand, Moultrie doesn't have a true position, since he classifies as both power forward and center. He flourished in the perimeter at MSU, but the Sixers already have enough perimeter talent.

If Philadelphia drafts Moultrie, it would definitely be taking a risk, but it could pay off in the long run.   

Jared Sullinger

There's a slim chance Jared Sullinger will still be on the board for the Sixers' first-round pick. However, the forward is expected to go in the Top 15, so he isn't completely out of Philadelphia's reach.

Sullinger is an old-school post player who possesses just as much power as skill. He averaged 17.5 points and a 52 percent field goal percentage during his last year at Ohio State. Sullinger is aggressive in the post and is not afraid to throw his weight around. He's also comfortable shooting a mid-range jumper, which would help open the floor for Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner.

Sullinger is exactly the player the 76ers organization needs to become a title contender. They just need to make the moves to draft him.    

Meyers Leonard

Meyers Leonard is another center who would fill Philadelphia's needs.

Leonard measures at 7'1" and 245 pounds, and he has superior athleticism. He is very quick off his feet, and his explosiveness gives him an advantage against slower post players. Not only is he a talented passer but he also makes a great alley-oop target.

Leonard's presence would spread the offense and create more opportunities for other players. The former Illinois player just needs to work on his confidence and consistency to compete with other NBA centers.

Overall, the Sixers need a center, and Leonard is a quality one. It's hard to go wrong when you're filling your needs.