Breaking down the Sixers pre-draft workouts: June 11th
The NBA Draft is less than ten days away and the 76ers continue their evaluation process with another slate of prospects. Here’s who stopped for the Sixers most recent workout:
–Tuesday, June 11th–
Jarrell Brantley F, College of Charleston (6’7 255lb)
A four year starter for the College of Charleston, Brantley is an athletic big with stretch four potential. He has a nice inside-outside game. He can create for himself off the dribble, but mostly in the mid range and post. He’s good at breaking down his defender one-on-one and either stepping back into a shot or attacking the rim. He uses good body control and navigates traffic in the paint well. Seems to favor shooting from the right side of the court. Explosive athleticism isn’t his biggest strength, but he can play above the rim enough to be a quality lob target and put back missed shots. He is a freight train in transition. Once he builds a head of steam, he’s difficult to stop due to his size and footwork. After shooting the three well as a sophomore and junior, Brantley regressed his senior year. He has a nice shot, but needs to work on consistency. Brantley moves well for his size and can score from two levels of the defense, but developing his three pointer is going to be key.
Ignas Brazdeikis F, Michigan (6’7 215lb)
Also know as “Iggy,” Brazdeikis is a fluid athlete who does a lot of things well. He doesn’t have the best handle, but he’s good at attacking the basket. He can create for himself, but everything feels very straight line. Has a nose for the basket. Finds a way to get to the net on missed shots and in transition. Good at cutting to the net. Smart with the ball and rarely causes turnovers. He has a nice three point shot and hit on 39% of his three’s last season. He tends to live closer to the net, so his three pointer is more complimentary. Defensively, he does not project well. Short arms and a lack of lateral mobility will make it difficult to cover more athletic wings. Brazdeikis has a well rounded offensive game and, at only twenty years old, should still have plenty of developing ahead. He seems like an interesting project type prospect.
Caleb Martin F, Nevada (6’7 200lb)
A Preseason All American prior to this season, Martin is a skilled wing with the ability to score in bunches. Very well rounded. He can create for himself and navigates traffic well. He has good enough body control to finishes around the rim, but not always. Also has a nice midrange step back jumper. Facilitation is an underrated strength. He is a smart passer with great vision. Has the ability to make difficult passes, but doesn’t turn the ball over often. Shot the three ball very well his junior year, but regressed this past season. He needs to work on his form, has a tendency to flail his legs. Can’t create his own three point shot, but is an excellent spot up shooter. He has the athleticism to guard multiple positions and the length to be a capable shot blocker. Soon to be 24, so it’s safe to question how much more of a ceiling he has to grow. Martin has good size and athleticism and the potential to score from all three levels. He’s an intriguing second round prospect.
Jeremiah Martin G, Memphis (6’3 185lb)
A member of the Portsmouth Invitational All-Tournament team, Martin is an athletic playmaker who constantly looks to get others involved in the offense. He has good handles and can get to the basket quickly. Good body control and can finish above the rim. Great at drawing fouls and shooting free throws. He has a nice pull up and step back jumper, but both need to be much more consistent. He is a good three point shooter in space, but struggles to shoot in tight windows. Capable of carrying an offense, he averaged 30.6 points per game in the month of February. Defensively, he should be able to cover opposing guards in the NBA, but may struggle against other positions. Martin projects as a high energy sixth man at the next level.
Jaylen Nowell G, Washington (6’4 200lb)
The quickest player in Washington history to score 1,000 point, Nowell is a polished scorer for only being 19 years old. The reigning Pac 12 Player of the Year knows how to score the basketball. His athleticism isn’t great, but he’s at his best attacking the net. Knows how to work his way around traffic to score. Has a nice floater and step back/pull up in the mid range. He’s a smart player off ball who creates opens shots for himself. Very good three point shooter, but can’t create much for himself beyond the arc. Good free throw shooter, but he doesn’t get to the line often enough. Excels at running the floor in transition. He’s a good defender, but will struggle against non-guards due to his size and athleticism. Nowell has an interesting ceiling considering his age and scoring prowess, but his athleticism and lack of on ball skills could cause him to slip out of the draft.
Marcel Ponitka G, Arka Goynia (6’5 180lb)
A former high school teammate of Ben Simmons, Ponitka spent the last four years playing over seas. He moves well with the ball in his hands, but his athleticism seems limited. Has a nice three point shot and is capable of hitting off the dribble or on catch and shoots, although very inconsistently. A good passer. He has good court vision and can make cross court passes to set up teammates for open three’s. Unselfish player who generates the offense through others. He is athletic enough to play above the rim and dunk in transition. A solid rebounder. He will more than likely struggle on defense against bigger, more athletic players. Ponitka does have some intrigue with his passing and jump shot, but he may be a draft and stash that stays stashed away.
