Veteran Player or Go Young?

The NBA draft is tomorrow and Sixers currently hold the 28th pick. Many around the league speculate they will be moving the pick for a veteran who can come in now & HELP. The idea is great! I get it, a proven player with experience but I wouldn’t mind keeping the pick the way it is. The Sixers have drafted late the last few years & made out nice with Thybulle and Maxey and although they traded him away, Shamet. They all contributed to the team in a significant way their first year. They also had some lows which you‘d expect from a rookie. Depending on what vet they are actually seeking I think keeping the pick & bringing in a young guy wouldn’t hurt, based off of how those 3 contributed in their 1st year.

Tre Mann is a name I keep throwing around, I believe if he’s there you have to get him. The Sixers bench struggled to score last year, Mann would be a perfect candidate to help change that. The 6’5” guard averaged 16 last year while shooting 40% from deep. If I had to compare him to anybody it would Jamal Crawford. He can create his own shot off the dribble & is versatile on the offensive end.

My other pick is Quentin Grimes. After a subpar season at Kansas his freshman year his numbers significantly increased each year at Houston. Attempting 8 3’s a game last year he hit on 40% of them averaging 18 a game & is a capable defender. I think he may be a steal for anyone if he gets past the lottery. He’s worth the risk if the Sixers have to keep the pick this isn’t a bad player to go with.

My 3rd choice would be Ayo Dosunmu. 6’5” combo guard from Illinois. If you watched any Illinois games last year you saw him impact the game on both ends of the floor when needed. Averaging 20 6 & 5 while shooting 39% from 3. Ayo‘s numbers trended up each year at Illinois. His sophomore year he didn’t shoot great from 3(29%) after shooting 35% his freshman year it’s a great sign to have seen him get to 39% last year. He’s great in the pick n roll, he can run the offense & he can play multiple positions. The Sixers have been looking for a guard to do just that when Ben isn’t in the game. So, if they kept Ben or decided to trade him he helps fill the void somewhat...

I think if any of those 3 are there & the Sixers still have their pick those guys would be excellent choices they have the upside to come in & help now & could be great development pieces for the future. Sixers need wing scoring whether they have Ben or not, that’s been an issue for them the last few years. They tried to fill those roles with players like Glen Robinson 3, Alex burks, George hill & none have ever worked out how they intended. With any of those guys I believe they could help with the wing scoring & you get a backup guard who can not only run the offense you want but can create for themselves as well.