2011 NBA Draft: 5 Players the 76ers Should Draft

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

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

TULSA, OK - MARCH 18: Jordan Hamilton #3 of the Texas Longhorns goes up for a shot against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 18, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ro

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

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

TULSA, OK - MARCH 18: Head coach Rick Barnes of the Texas Longhorns speaks with Tristan Thompson #13 during the second round game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 18, 2011 in Tulsa,

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

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 27: Markieff Morris #21 and Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks react during the southwest regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams at the Alamodome on March 27, 2011

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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DENVER, CO - MARCH 19: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Morehead State Eagles warms up prior to playing against the Richmond Spiders in the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Pepsi Center on March 19, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo b

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.