Tag: 76ers-draft-rumors-news

2024 NBA Draft: Jalen Bridges has the makings of a 3-and-D player with upside at the next level. nba,draft,jalen,bridges,has,the,makings,of,a,and,d,player,with,upside,at,the,next,level,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

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Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Baylor’s Jalen Bridges.

After starting his collegiate career near home at West Virginia, Jalen Bridges transferred to Baylor for his final two seasons. As a redshirt senior in 2023-24, Bridges was a huge part of the Bears’ success, showing off the type of skillset that makes him an ideal 3-and-D wing prospect — and possibly more.

Profile

2023-24 Stats: 35 games, 31.7 minutes, 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.6 blocks, 46.6% FG, 41.2% 3P, 82.3% FT

Team: Baylor

Year: Redshirt senior

Position: SF/PF

Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’6.75” | 213.4 lbs

Born: May 14, 2001 (23 years old)

Hometown: Fairmont, West Virginia

High School: Fairmont Senior High School

Strengths

Jalen Bridges has developed into a dynamic shooter with clean mechanics, capable of shooting off of screens or off the dribble. He displayed some level of shot creation in some of his pull-up jumpers, showcasing in-out dribbles on drives and spin moves. He likely won’t ever be a full-time ball hander, but he can at least attack closeouts or take the ball up the court on fast breaks. Bridges is a smart player and moves well off the ball often relocating on the perimeter for threes or cutting at the right time for opportunities at the rim. Defensively, Bridges uses his 6-10 wingspan well and is able to switch onto a variety on positions. He slides his feet well, along with disrupting passing lanes. Baylor liked to use zone defense, with Bridges being effective within it.

Weaknesses

Bridges is one of the more refined prospects slated to go in the second round, meaning there aren’t too many holes in his game. Prior to this year, he was an inconsistent three-point shooter — shooting 34.4 percent from three throughout his first three collegiate seasons. Compared to other multi-year prospects, he was a low-usage player which suggests he’ll never be able to be a full-time creator.

Positional Fit

Bridges has the size and quickness to guard anywhere from 1-3; even capable of guarding smaller fours. On the court, he’ll be best optimized as a true wing next to a traditional point guard. He has a lot of Royce O’Neale to his game — a wing who can guard most players, hit threes at a high clip and provide secondary playmaking.

Draft Projection

Second round

The Sixers currently are slated to pick at 41st overall, which falls right into the range most expect Jalen Bridges to go. Bridges’ age makes his ceiling lower, but most label him as a surefire second-round pick that should be able to help teams fast compared to other prospects.

2024 NBA Draft: Is Virginia’s Ryan Dunn the next Herb Jones? nba,draft,is,virginia,s,ryan,dunn,the,next,herb,jones,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

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Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Virginia’s Ryan Dunn.

Ryan Dunn was a defensive menace at Virginia, racking up steals and blocks last season on his way to being an ACC All-Defensive Team pick. Though there are offensive limitations, Dunn could very well be the most impactful defensive prospect in the draft.

Profile

2023-24 Stats: 34 games, 27.5 minutes, 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.3 blocks, 54.8% FG, 20% 3P, 53.2% FT

Team: Virginia

Year: Sophomore

Position: SG/SF

Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’6.25” | 213.6 lbs

Born: January 7th, 2003 (21 years old)

Hometown: Brookville, New York

High School: Perkiomen School (Pennsburg, PA)

Strengths

Ryan Dunn is considered by many analysts to be the best defender in this draft. He has speed in general; able to close out under control and rotate on defense. He’s able to switch onto a variety of positions with ease, using his 7-foot-1.5” wingspan. He’s an elite rim protector given his position, with great timing and instincts on when to help. Albeit limited, Dunn also plays within his offensive role well, limiting turnovers and other mistakes. Dunn uses his athleticism well offensively and is great at attacking closeouts in a straight line. Capable of using both hands when finishing.

Weaknesses

Dunn is a limited shooter behind the arc, shooting 23.5 percent from three over his two collegiate seasons on less than an attempt per game. Doesn’t have any midrange game, either. Has shown very little, if any, shooting improvement. Barring significant shooting improvements, Dunn will need to be used closer to the rim or as a screener in the NBA — which could potentially limit his playing time. Offensively, he hasn’t shown any ability to create his own shot outside of the transition game or straight-line drives.

Positional Fit

Due to his lack of perimeter shooting, Dunn will likely be used as a power forward at the next level. Fortunately, he does finish well at the rim and rebounds well for his size — both of which should allow him to play around the rim at the dunker spot. Think of Andre Roberson if he was a better finisher around the rim and had a bit more size.

Draft Projection

Second round

Multiple contending teams will be looking at Dunn once the second round comes, however recent reports suggest that he might be gone well before then. HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto reports that some NBA executives say Dunn could be gone by pick No. 25. Teams are always in need of wing defenders and Dunn’s defense is arguably the realest in the entire draft. His limited offensive game will likely keep him from going really high, but it sounds like he might be one of this draft’s late risers.

2024 NBA Draft: Dillon Jones might be the most unique player in the entire draft nba,draft,dillon,jones,might,be,the,most,unique,player,in,the,entire,draft,liberty,ballers,front-page,76ers-draft-rumors-news

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Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Weber State’s Dillon Jones.

Dillon Jones was a dominant force in the Big Sky, taking home the conference’s Player of the Year award in 2023-24. His usage rate and overall efficiency improved in all four of his collegiate seasons at Weber State. His versatility makes him one of the most unique prospects in this year’s draft.

Profile

2023-24 Stats: 31 games, 37.0 minutes, 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.1 blocks, 48.9% FG, 32.4% 3P, 85.7% FT

Team: Weber State

Year: Redshirt Junior

Position: Forward

Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’4.5” | 236.8 lbs

Born: October 9, 2001 (22 years old)

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

High School: Sunrise Christian Prep

Strengths

Jones is built like a tank and appears ready for the NBA from a physicality standpoint. What’s impressive is how smooth he is with the ball in his hands at that size. He possesses a strong handle and wide-ranging bag. He’s able to finish through and around defenders while looking mighty comfortable pulling up in the midrange. He’s a below-the-rim player, but has a quick first step which showed when he crushed the shuttle run at the combine. While he didn’t shoot it well from three, his success inside the arc and elite free throwing shooting make him a projectable threat to stretch the floor.

He will certainly be able to handle guarding bigger forwards thanks to his sturdy frame and 6-11 wingspan. He showed excellent off-ball instincts, recording two steals a game last season. He’s also an outstanding rebounder, averaging double-digit boards in two of his four seasons.

Weaknesses

As mentioned, Jones is not an elite athlete. While he might have enough craftiness and skill to overcome that on the offensive end, it might be tough for him to hang with quicker wings and guards. And while his shot from deep is projectable, it’s just that — a projection. The 32.4% from three he hit last season was easily a career high.

The bigger issue with evaluating Jones is going to be the level of competition he played against. Once upon a time, Damian Lillard starred at Weber State, became a top-10 pick and is now a future Hall of Famer. Outside of Lillard, there aren’t really any success stories out of that school.

Positional Fit

Jones will likely be a combo forward at the next level, but a very unique one. If he can improve his shot and guard smaller players, he has the makings of an extremely versatile player on both ends of the floor.

Draft Projection

Second round

Jones is fascinating player. I’d be leery of the small school factor, but he is just good at basketball. Players that can dribble, shoot and pass at that size don’t grow on trees. His long wingspan could help him overcome some of the athletic deficiencies at the next level. He feels like a player that could fit on just about any team, including the Sixers — if he can make threes consistently.

2024 NBA Draft: Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II could be the exact type of combo big the Sixers need nba,draft,dayton,s,daron,holmes,ii,could,be,the,exact,type,of,combo,big,the,sixers,need,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

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Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II.

In his sophomore year, DaRon Holmes II built upon an excellent freshman season by becoming the focal point of Dayton’s offense. In his junior year, he dominated for the Flyers and was named the Atlantic 10’s Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and a Consensus All-American.

Profile

2023-24 Stats: 33 games, 32.5 minutes, 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.1 blocks, 54.4% FG, 38.6% 3P, 71.3% FT

Team: Dayton

Year: Junior

Position: C/PF

Height & Weight: 6’8.75” | 236.2 lbs

Born: August 15, 2002 (21 years old)

Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona

Strengths

Standing over 6-foot-9 with shoes and boasting an impressive 7-1 wingspan, Holmes has ideal NBA size. He’s built solidly at over 236 pounds and his strength shows on the court. When you couple that with Holmes’ improving skill, you have an intriguing prospect.

The two biggest improvements in Holmes’ offensive game were his shooting and court vision. After attempting just 26 shots from deep in his first two seasons, Holmes hoisted up 83 threes in 2023-24 with impressive results (38.6%). His post-up game was once again strong, but he showed better feel as his usage rate went up and he saw constant double teams. He was outstanding in the pick-and-roll, both rolling to the rim and popping for threes.

Holmes also features a face-up game and ability as a straight line driver. He was able to line up opposing post players and either hit midrange jumpers or short fadeaways over them. He uses long strides, a nasty spin move and his strength to get downhill and finish at the rim. It’s this type of versatility that makes you see why NBA folks believe he can play the four.

Holmes was the anchor of Dayton’s defense, taking home the A-10’s Defensive Player of the year last season. He’s an outstanding rim protector, reads the pick-and-roll well and flashes a little switchability.

Weaknesses

It’s easy to see why Holmes is rising up draft boards. There really aren’t many holes in his game and there’s intriguing upside.

But his age will be a factor — he’ll turn 22 before next season begins. While there is belief he can succeed as a four at the next level, he’ll need to prove his shooting uptick wasn’t a fluke and improve his handle a bit.

Respectfully, it’s also worth noting that the A-10 isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but Holmes did play well against Nevada and Arizona in the NCAA Tournament.

Positional Fit

Holmes is definitely an NBA five. He has the size and proper skillset to succeed at that position. What’s more intriguing is envisioning him playing minutes at the four. A player like the Timberwolves’ Naz Reid is an interesting comp. Holmes is a different player from the NBA’s reigning Sixth Man of the Year, but both players provide legit combo big versatility.

Draft Projection

SB Nation mock draft: No. 16, Sixers

I can hear the collective groans at the idea of the Sixers selecting a center at 16, but Holmes feels like a unique player. If you look at the way Chris Finch — a close coaching friend of Nick Nurse — utilized Reid, there could be a similar path for Holmes with a team like the Sixers. With Joel Embiid on the floor, Holmes could space the floor in the corner or hang in the dunker spot where he can catch lobs and crash the offensive glass. When Embiid is off the floor, Holmes — who excelled as both a roller and popper last season — provides an intriguing pick-and-roll partner for Tyrese Maxey while also providing strong rim protection on the other end.

2024 NBA Draft: Harrison Ingram’s high floor makes him an intriguing second-round target nba,draft,harrison,ingram,s,high,floor,makes,him,an,intriguing,second,round,target,liberty,ballers,front-page,76ers-draft-rumors-news

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Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is North Carolina’s Harrison Ingram.

Ingram projects to be a glue guy and connector, someone who can offer a variety of offensive and defensive skill sets.

Profile

2023-24 Stats: 37 games, 32.8 minutes, 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.4 blocks, 46.7% FG, 38.5% 3P, 61.2% FT

Team: North Carolina

Year: Junior

Position: SF/PF

Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’5.25” | 233.6 lbs

Born: November 27, 2002 (21 years old)

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

High School: St. Mark’s School

Strengths

Harrison Ingram is a stellar playmaker for his size. He plays like a college veteran and knows how to play at his own pace. Before transferring to UNC, he played at Stanford where he was primarily used as a pick-and-roll ball handler. With North Carolina he became a playmaking hub for their offense, typically operating out of the post or elbows. Ingram dramatically refined his shooting at UNC, making 40 percent of threes. Ingram is an excellent rebounder and regularly displays good timing when crashing the boards. He projects to be a highly versatile defender — he’s quick enough to switch onto guards and uses his length and size well against wings and forwards. He plays with strong fundamentals and consistently shows effort on the defensive end.

Weaknesses

Ingram struggles to create space off the dribble, typically forcing him into heavily contested shots at the rim or in the midrange. He struggled to convert baskets around the rim, making only 52.4 percent of his shots, per Synergy. Before transferring to UNC, Ingram was a below average shooter, never averaging over 32 percent from three. He has decent form, but lacks a soft, natural touch.

Positional Fit

Ingram may be one of the most unique players to be had in the second round, as his combination of size and playmaking allow him to practically be slotted into any position. Comparing him to one specific player is difficult, but think of someone like Joe Johnson who is less of a scorer and more of a playmaker. Or someone like Grant Williams, who acts as a glue guy who takes tough defensive assignments.

Draft Projection

Second round

There’s plenty of red flags here to consider, but Ingram’s playmaking, defensive versatility and ability to play within his role will certainly find him a home in the NBA. Don’t be surprised if Ingram gets scooped up in the late first round, as there’s plenty to like if you believe in his shooting progression.

2024 NBA Draft: Is Kevin McCullar Jr. the next good role player hiding in plain sight? nba,draft,is,kevin,mccullar,jr,the,next,good,role,player,hiding,in,plain,sight,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

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Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Kansas’ Kevin McCullar.

Kansas’ Kevin McCullar played four seasons with Texas Tech, later transferring to Kansas and playing two seasons with the Jayhawks. McCullar excelled last season, putting up career highs in minutes, three-point percentage, assists and points. Now he’ll have a chance to pop at the next level.

Profile

2023-24 Stats: 26 games, 34.2 minutes, 18.3 points, 6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.4 blocks, 45.4% FG, 33.3% 3P, 80.5% FT

Team: Kansas

Year: Senior

Position: SG

Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’5.25” | 205.8 lbs

Born: March 15, 2001 (23 years old)

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

High School: Karen Wagner

Strengths

Kevin McCullar spent his five years in college well, dramatically improving as a perimeter scorer with a recent shooting resurgence. McCullar’s three-point percentage doesn’t jump off the page at a lackluster 33.3 percent, but he did take a career-high 4.5 attempts per game and refined his form for the better. His free throw shooting (typically a good indicator of where a prospects shooting is) also crept up into the 80s. McCullar has great offensive IQ, timing his cuts well and finding the defensive weak spots with ease. He thrived as a playmaker with Kansas, rarely turning the ball over and facilitating pick-and-rolls and dribble handoffs. He’s a capable scorer from most areas on the floor, and finished well within the three-point arc. Defensively, he brings intensity, effort and focus as a defender and rebounder. He defends well off-ball and offers some size as a helper at the rim.

Weaknesses

McCullar is one of the older prospects in this draft, which means he’ll likely have a high floor compared to most prospects in his range while also having a limited ceiling. Most causes for concern revolve around his shooting and how real his resurgence was/is. Prior to this year, McCullar failed to shoot above 30 percent in three of his four seasons, averaging a rough 29.8 percent from three in his first four collegiate seasons. Outside of shooting concerns, McCullar doesn’t project to be a dynamic ball hander who can lead an offense. Look for him to play a role similar to Joe Ingles, Nic Batum, Kyle Anderson — someone who can complement the offense and move the ball well, while not being the prime playmaker.

Positional Fit

McCullar’s defensive versatility, length and playmaking ability should allow him to play multiple positions at the next level — most notably at either forward spot. McCullar’s game has shades of Bruce Brown — a defensive-minded forward, that’s capable of slashing to the rim and getting teammates involved with his playmaking ability.

Draft Projection

Late first round, early second

McCullar is one of the more seasoned prospects in this draft, with his floor likely being drafted in the second round as contending teams look for players who can contribute fast. Although, some drafts do have him going in the late first round, where contenders will be looking for players who can provide skills day one.

2024 NBA Draft: KJ Simpson looks like a Nick Nurse point guard nba,draft,kj,simpson,looks,like,a,nick,nurse,point,guard,liberty,ballers,front-page,nba-draft,76ers-draft-rumors-news

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Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Colorado’s KJ Simpson.

KJ Simpson was already an All-Pac-12 performer, but he took a huge leap during a stellar junior campaign. The Buffs point guard saw a steady increase in efficiency in each of his three seasons, making him a possible first-round pick.

Profile

2023-24 Stats: 37 games, 35.1 minutes, 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.1 blocks, 47.5% FG, 43.4% 3P, 87.6% FT

Team: Colorado

Year: Junior

Position: PG

Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’0.25” | 187 lbs

Born: August 8, 2002 (21 years old)

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

High School: Chaminade College Prep

Strengths

Simpson had an outstanding junior year. He’s a quintessential lead guard, putting his teammates in their proper place and distributing the ball. He’s also a great scorer for a point guard, using a strong handle and plenty of craftiness around the rim. He took a huge leap as a shooter, knocking down 43.4% from three. What gives you confidence that the improvement is real is that he also made 87.6% from the line. That’s an elite number. His efficiency grew across the board without sacrificing playmaking for others.

Despite his size, Simpson is a strong point-of-attack defender because of his strength, athleticism and absolute bulldog mentality. He’s strong off-ball as well, averaging over 1.5 steals the past two seasons. He’s also an excellent rebounder for his size, averaging nearly six a game last season.

Weaknesses

If Simpson were 6-foot-4, you’re probably talking about a lottery pick. The shooting improvement looks real, he has a high basketball IQ and he tested extremely well athletically at the combine. His height will be the only thing that scares teams off.

Positional Fit

Simpson is a pure point guard. There’s a chance he’ll be able to guard up because of his strength and athleticism, but that will probably take time.

Draft Projection

Late first, early second round

Again, the only real knock on Simpson is size. With Tyrese Maxey already locked in as the Sixers’ starting point guard, it’s fair to wonder if Simpson makes sense. Then again, Simpson looks every bit like a Nick Nurse point guard. Might as well call him KJ VanLowry. He would be tough to pass up in a trade back scenario or if he somehow falls all the way to 41.