Breaking down the Sixers pre-draft workouts: June 5th-June 8th
We are less than two weeks away from the NBA draft and the Sixers are well underway with their evaluation process. Here’s a look at the prospects they brought in for group workouts last week:
–Wednesday, June 5th’s workout–
Eric Carter F, Delaware (6’9 235lb)
A senior out of the University of Delaware, Carter is savvy and seasoned. He spent most of his Blue Hens career playing in the low post, grabbing rebounds and scoring around the rim; often displaying some nifty finishes. He also has a jump shot, but didn’t use it often in college. After nearly averaging a double-double each of the past two seasons, Carter is sixth all-time in school history with 27 double-doubles. Due to his lack of athleticism and competition level, Carter’s name probably won’t be called on draft night. But with his high floor and potential shot, as well as his Delaware roots, he could get an invite to the Blue Coats.
Jonathan Kasibabu F, Fairfield (6’8 240lb)
Kasibabu is a big man who can move well with the ball in his hands. A four year senior, he can create for himself off the dribble, either by getting to the rim or stepping back into a jumper. Shooting three’s aren’t a big part of his game, but there’s potential. He looks good with the ball in his hands for someone his size, but he does have that bull-in-a-china-shop feel. He lacks polish and control, which often leads to turnovers. Kasibabu’s biggest strength is his athleticism though. He’s an explosive athlete great at catching lobs around the rim and finishing above the net. Kasibabu is also the reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Year. He uses his length and athleticism well as a shot blocker and seems capable of guarding multiple positions. Due to his age and school, he may not warrant a draft pick, but Kasibabu is intriguing nonetheless.
CJ Massinburg G, Buffalo (6’3 194lb)
One of the maestros behind Buffalo’s 2018 March Madness upset of Arizona, Massinburg is a shooter. Period. He’s shot at least 39% on six three’s per game each of the last two seasons and his range seems damn near endless. Massinburg plays mostly off ball, but he is capable of creating for himself. He’s best at getting to his spot and shooting off the dribble, but he’s also shown some flashes finishing around the rim. He leaves a lot to be desired as a passer, but he makes up for it as a surprisingly good rebounder despite his size. Massinburg isn’t the most well rounded player and lacks explosive athleticism, but what he does well is more than worthy of draft consideration.
Quinndary Weatherspoon G, Mississippi State (6’4 205lb)
Weatherspoon is a late bloomer and wasn’t on draft radars until his senior year. After finding a three point shot – 39% on four attempts per game – scouts finally started taking notice of the former Bulldog. Since then, he’s impressed at both the combine and the Portsmouth Invitational. Weatherspoon is a fluid athlete, lacking explosiveness, but capable of gliding to the net and finishing with finesse in traffic. He didn’t show much as a facilitator in college, but his passing chops were on full display during scrimmages at the combine. Weatherspoon has the potential to be a three level scoring threat who can add some secondary facilitation, but it all depends on the legitimacy of his three point shot. He has a chance to be a better pro athlete than collegiate.
Carsen Edwards G, Purdue (6’1 200lb)
Edwards is a bonafide household name after putting on a historic display in the NCAA tournament. He just gets buckets. He is one of the most prolific scoring threats in this draft class after averaging 34 points per game during Purdue’s Elite Eight run. His transition to the NBA could be a little awkward. His lack of size, athleticism, and passing could make things difficult as a combo guard, but his shot will then likely carry him. He’ll also have to learn to live without the ball in his hands so much after posting an insane 37% usage rate, while shooting 10.5(!!!!) three’s a game as a senior. Despite the high usage, he plays well without the ball in his hands and excels on catch and shoots. Edwards lacks most else to his game outside of scoring, and even that comes with some issues, but he could be a great threat off the bench.
Charles Matthews G, Michigan (6’6 205lb)
A former five-star recruit, Matthews has three and D written all over him. He’s athletic with 6’9 arms and capable of guarding multiple positions. He excels as a shot blocker and PoA defender. He’s also great at turning steals into points in transition. Offensively, Matthews still needs some work. Most of his usage on offense stems from transition dunks or finishing lobs and missed shots around the net. He doesn’t have much in terms of handles, but he is capable of getting to the rim off the dribble. His three point shot also needs a lot of work. He has a nice three point stroke, but shot 30% from three each of the past two seasons. Matthews’ defense already seems draft worthy, but if can develop his three point shot in the NBA, he’ll be a steal.
–Thursday, June 6th’s workout–
Shizz Alston Jr G, Temple University (6’4 180lb)
A Philadelphia native, Alston can score from all three levels on offense. He is capable of creating for himself off the dribble and finishing at the net. He doesn’t have the shiftiest handles, but he can create separation for himself, although it often leads to turnovers. He excels as a pick and roll initiator. He makes smart decisions and knows when to shoot and when to pass into the post. Alston had been a volume shooter for most of his career with the Owls, but a breakout senior season showed off much more. His passing ability became much more apparent after posting five assists per game on a 28% assist rate. The Passing is a huge addition because Alston tends to get tunnel vision and trusts his shot way too much. I’m not sure if his name will be called on draft night, but at the very least, the local kid will likely receive a Summer League invite.
Harry Froling F, Adelaide (Australia) (6’11 250lb)
Originally hailing from Australia, Froling spent two seasons in the NCAA playing for SMU and Marquette. He ultimately decided to return home and play professionally, where he won NBL Rookie of the Year. He’s a skilled big man who lacks athleticism, but makes up for it with his three ball. He has good size, but lacks definition which could mean he needs further conditioning. Froling has a nice array of moves that he can turn into floaters and midrange jumpers. He’s a nasty, mean kind of guy who grinds it out in the post. He’s built like an old school center, but has hints of a new school game. He could be a backup center in the pros, but it’ll depend heavily on his shot.
Donta Hall F, Alabama (6’9 230lb)
Hall has the makings of a defensive specialist. He’s an explosive athlete who uses his 7’2 arms well on the defensive glass. On defense, he’s best at patrolling the low post and protecting the rim. His offensive game is limited to alley oops and put back dunks, although he can create for himself a little. Despite playing mostly around the rim, he doesn’t have many post moves, which is disappointing. He seems to lean on his athleticism too much. Overall, his offense hints at something more if he can be developed. Hall is a high floor prospect seeing as his length, athleticism, and rebounding are likely to translate, but he’ll have to hone his offensive game if he wants to stick around.
Jaylen Hoard F, Wake Forest (6’8 215lb)
A former member of the FIBA French National team, Hoard is an uber athletic wing with 7’1 arms who flies around the court. But as of right now, he’s more athlete than ball player. His offensive game needs the most refinement. He’s capable of creating for himself and getting to his spot for shots around the rim, but does little else with the ball in his hands. Off ball, he works mostly rolling and cutting to the net to finish lobs in the half court and transition. He needs to learn to trust his three point shot more. He has nice form, but shot fewer than two attempts per game. Hoard has the profile of a three and D wing. He’s athletic enough to guard multiple positions and his long arms should serve well for clogging passing lanes, but he’ll need to refine his offensive game if he really wants to flourish in the pros.
Josh Perkins G, Gonzaga (6’3 190lb)
Perkins is a pass first point guard. He has good vision, in the half court and in transition, and a knack for making the smart play. He has a good handle on the ball, but lacks explosive athleticism. He can get to the net and finish in traffic, but it’s mostly finger rolls and layups. When creating his own shot, Perkins usually tries to get to his spot and shoot a three. He is a quality three point shooter, but he needs to develop more of an offensive attack. Perkins will struggle on defense in the NBA due to his lack of athleticism. He is a willing defender, but lacks the foot speed to keep up with quicker, more nimble guards. Overall, Perkins could be a decent role players with his facilitation and shooting, but that’s only if his athletic profile doesn’t hold him back.
Dylan Windler G, Belmont (6’8 200lb)
Windler could be this year’s Kevin Huerter. A surprisingly fluid athlete, he has the ability to score in bunches and can hit from all three levels of the defense. He can create for himself, whether it’s driving to the net or getting to his spot for a jumper. However, he’s much better off ball. Around the net, he has good body control and the ability to make difficult finishes in traffic as well as deliver highlight reel dunks. Windler’s three point shot may be his biggest selling point. He’s a smart player without the ball in his hands and knows how to set himself up for open looks. He is a bit of a streaky shooter, but when he’s on, he’s one of the best shooters in this class. He also uses his athleticism and 6’10 arms well as a rebounder. Windler has good size, but needs to add more muscle to his frame. He has the traits to be a good defender in the NBA, but will need to bulk up. His competition level gives me pause, but Windler has a chance to be a steal in the second round.
–Friday, June 7th’s workout–
Bryce Brown G, Auburn (6’3 198lb)
Brown was instrumental in Auburn’s Final Four run this past March. He is a shooter, that’s about all there is to it. He set an SEC record for three’s in a single season with 141 last season. He shot 41% on 8.6 three’s a game last season. He has a smooth shot that can hit from long range and tight windows. He can create for himself, but he’s much better on catch and shoots. He has the ability to get to the rim and finish in traffic, but it might be difficult in the NBA considering his lack of size. He doesn’t jump off the tape as a passer, but he does make heady plays on outlet passes and in transition. Brown has active hands on defense and a knack for winding up with the ball, which leads to points in transition. He has a nice skill set that could translate to the NBA, but it all depends if his size and athleticism hold him back.
Christ Koumadje C, Florida State (7’4 268lb)
First and foremost, it needs to be reiterated that Koumadje is 7’4. That’s an inch taller than the tallest person in the NBA. He uses his size well as a rebounder and shot blocker. Those are easily his two biggest areas of strength. He is a good finisher around the rim, although can get pushed around a bit due to his slender frame. One of Koumadje’s biggest struggles is the same that plagues most players his size, a lack of lateral mobility. He’s great underneath the net, but the farther he extends, the worse the results. Considering he started playing basketball for the first time in high school, Koumadje’s growth is impressive. He’d make for an interesting long term project in the right hands.
Adam Mokoka G, KK Mega Bemax (6’5 190lb)
Mokoka is a three and D prospect that needs a three point shot. The frenchman made a named for himself with his defense overseas. He has good size with 6’10 arms, great athleticism, and a non-stop motor. He’s great as a PoA defender. He moves well laterally and excels at staying in front of his assignment, while allowing almost no separation. He also has active hands and is constantly looking to pop the ball out. Offensively, he needs a lot of work. He can create for himself a little, but he struggles to finish around the net, although he does a good job drawing fouls. His midrange game is completely absent. He either gets to the rack or looks to shoot a three, there is no in-between. After shooting 32% on four three point attempts per game last season with KK Mega Bemax, it’s clear his three point shot needs work and so-so free throw percentages don’t yield much confidence. Mokoka is a great athlete with the defensive potential to get drafted, but his offensive game needs about as much polish as it can get.
Zach Norvell G, Gonzaga (6’5 205lb)
Norvell is an off ball shooter. He has a smooth shot and quick release. He does a good job of finding open spaces in the defense and creating his own open looks without the ball. He also has a nice side step and step back to create extra separation on his shot. With the ball in his hands, he can create for himself a little and get to the basket, but not much else. He has good body control to finish in traffic. He doesn’t have a much of a midrange game. A two year starter at Gonzaga, Norvell is a smart player. He isn’t anything remarkable as a passer, but he makes the smart play and he’s willing to pass up a good shot for a better one. He has good size for his position, but lacks the athleticism to project as a plus defender. Norvell shot 37% on seven three point attempts per game. He is a volume shooter with the off ball skills to excel in the NBA.
Josh Sharma F, Stanford (7’0 230lb)
Sharma is a huge and fluid athlete. He moves very well for his size and glides down the court in transition. He’s a switchable big with the athleticism to guard multiple positions. He is a great rim protector and uses his length well to block shots. Offensively, Sharma is your traditional back to the basket big. He has almost no trace of a three point shot. He’s great at boxing out and backing down defenders in the post due to his massive size. He can’t create much for himself, but he’s an easy target on lobs and does a good job putting back missed shots. He also excels as a rebounder with his size an athleticism. Sharma is a high floor player with size and athleticism that should translate well to the NBA.
Justin Simon G, St. John’s (6’5 215lb)
The reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Simon is a fluid, high-flying athlete. He excels as a PoA defender. He has great length with 6’11 arms and is capable of guarding multiple positions. He also uses his length well as a shot blocker. He has active hands which can often lead to points in transition. Transition offense is a strength for Simon. Simon is best with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t have much of a jump shot, so he has to create most of his offense himself. He has a good first step and is capable of getting to the basket with ease. The combination of his athleticism and body control help him make difficult shots in traffic. He’s also uses his size well to back down smaller guards in the post. He doesn’t offer much as a passer and his ball dominance can often lead to turnovers. Simon’s length, athleticism, and defense could get him drafted, but he’ll need to learn to help others on offense.
–Saturday, June 8th–
Phil Booth G, Villanova (6’3 194lb)
A two year starter a Villanova, Booth is a combo guard with good size and adequate athleticism. He is great at creating his own shot and getting to the basket off the dribble. He has good body control and can make difficult finishes around the rim, but lacks the athleticism to play above it. He has a nice array of floaters and turn around/pull up jumpers that help him score in the mid range. His biggest selling point is his three point shot. He is a volume shooter, having shot seven three’s a game at 37% last season. His shot isn’t the fastest and could definitely use some touching up, but he can hit from anywhere on the floor and it makes him a complete threat on offense. He has good vision, but didn’t show much as a passer, meaning there could be more to unlock. He is a willing defender who can cover opposing guards, but will struggle against other positions due to his short arms and lack of athleticism. Overall, Booth may sneak his way into the late second, but it’s more likely that he goes undrafted.
Louis King F, Oregon (6’9 205lb)
King is an athletic wing with long, 7’0 arms. He doesn’t have the most well rounded game, but he does have some intriguing traits and skills. He is capable of getting to the basket off the dribble and finishing above the rim. He has a smooth three point stroke, but he only takes catch and shoot three’s. Very few of his three point shots are off the dribble or created himself. When he does take a jump shot off the dribble, his feet are a mess on the release and the shot looks ugly. He also uses his size and length well as a defensive rebounder. Defensively, King has the tools to project as a plus NBA defender, although he didn’t show it much at Oregon. He has good lateral mobility and the length and athleticism to guard multiple positions. Anyone who takes a chance on King is banking on his length and athleticism and the hope they can develop his offense.
V.J. King F, Louisville (6’6 190lb)
King is an athletic combo forward. He has a good firs step and is capable of creating for himself. He has good footwork in the post and can back down smaller defenders. He is a great finisher on missed shots and a lob target in transition. He was a capable three point shooter as a freshman, but has regressed since. Finding his three point shot is going to be a huge task at the next level. As a passer, he’s capable, but nothing special. He’ll pass up good shots for better ones and find open shooters on the wing for easy three’s. He’s also makes good passes out of the post. King has the traits to be a quality defender, but it hardly showed at Louisville. After serving as a starter last year, King decided to declare for the draft after he lost his starting job. It’s going to be interesting to see how NBA teams view him as a prospect because he needs a lot of development.
Eric Paschall F, Villanova (6’7 255lb)
Paschall is a skilled combo forward with a nice jump shot. He’s sneaky athletic and moves well with the ball in his hands. He is capable of creating any type of shot and can score from all three levels. He is explosive enough to play above the rim and can finish in traffic. His midrange is solid with a nice pull up jumper. He has a good three point shot, but it needs cleaning up. His form isn’t always consistent and he has a tendency to flail his legs. He steps into his shot with confidence and has a number of hesitation moves to create extra separation before the shot. Coming from Villanova, he knows what it’s like to play in an offense with constant ball movement. He is a smart passer who routinely makes the right play. Defensively, he’s a capable one-on-one defender, but struggles as a rim protector due to his lack of size. Paschall has the makings of an offensive minded combo forward or a stretch four, but it will heavily depend on his athleticism and three ball.
Justin Robinson G, Virginia Tech (6’2 195lb)
Virginia Tech’s all-time assist leader, Robinson is a true floor general. He is excellent at creating for himself, but more specifically, others. He’s a very smart player who knows how to overload the defense to one side in order to create open looks. He can thread the needle on passes into the post through traffic and has a great head fake on no look passes. His three point shot creates good spacing for those around him. He has a smooth shot that can hit from deep three point range. He can struggle to finish in the paint because of his size, but he does a good job finishing though through traffic in order to draw fouls. He’s a feisty defender who is constantly looking to poke the ball out. However, he lacks the size to defend anything other than guards at the next level. Robinson might slip out of the draft because of his size and athleticism, but he has a chance to be a solid sixth man in the NBA.
Grant Williams F, Tennesse (6’7 236lb)
A two-time SEC Player of the Year, Williams is one of the most decorated players in the draft. Although he’s undersized for a power forward and lacks dynamic athleticism, Williams has one of the highest floors in this draft. He is an incredibly smart, instinctive player that has a knack for being in the right place at the right time making the right play. He can create for himself off the dribble very well and excels in the midrange. His step back floater off the dribble is pure filth and he has a mean spin move to go with it. Despite his short stature, he uses his 6’11 arms to shoot over taller players with ease. His footwork and basketball IQ in the post are incredible. He is strong enough to post up in the paint against bigger players and quick enough to blow by them when he turns the corner. Despite his lack of athleticism, his long arms make him a target on lobs and put backs. He also does great job of drawing fouls and is an excellent free throw shooter. He didn’t shoot the three very often, but he has good form and shot well from the free throw line, which gives hope for the future. Williams is like glue as a defender. He will stick to his assignment and use his long arms to make sure they don’t get a shot up. He is also a great rim protector and shot blocker. Williams is incredibly skilled, but his shortcomings are apparent. If he were to fall the Sixers in the first, he’d be a great PJ Tucker-esque role player.
