The experts grade the Sixers 2011 draft

The 2011 NBA Draft is in the books and the Sixers accomplished what they set out to do in drafting the best big man available to them. According to most reports, the Sixers had targeted Nikola Vucevic from the start and were happy to see him there for the taking at pick 16. While the Sixers got who they wanted, the draft experts were less than excited with the selection. Here is a sampling of what some experts are saying about the Sixers draft:

Chad Ford, ESPN: C
The Sixers needed size and so they took the biggest guy on the board, but this was a case of drafting need over talent. I think better players were on the board, even if they weren't 7-footers. Vucevic will be solid in the NBA, but he's far from being a potential star. Allen doesn't exactly get you excited after a lackluster four years at Temple.

Tom Ziller, SB Nation: C-
Most mocks had Vucevic here for the past couple weeks; even SBNation.com's pathetic mock drafter, Tom Ziller, got it right! But that doesn't make it a good pick. Not at all.

You've gotta beware these workout wonders. Before the NBA Draft Combine, where Vucevic measured as the biggest player in the draft, he was a borderline first-round pick. He played at USC for three years. He's a well-known entity by the people who play closest attention, and he was a borderline first-round pick until everyone realized he was tall. That's not good!

Fit has to be balanced with talent. The Sixers needed a big man and can probably give Vucevic more early minutes than they could a wing. But guys like Chris Singleton looked like such better prospects, it's hard to cheer such an uninspiring punt.

Mike Misek, NBADraft.net: B
Philadelphia wanted to go big, and they came away with the safest NCAA big man selection in the draft. Nikola Vucevic is a skilled scorer inside and out, makes good decisions with the basketball, and given the snail's pace of USC did not receive the proper appreciation for being a solid rebounder. Additionally, having played for Kevin O'Neill and Tim Floyd, he is a step ahead in terms of defensive preparation. While Vucevic is not going to be Dwight Howard, he has learned to be committed on that end, and has three years of former NBA coaches drilling man-to-man defensive principles into him. In the second round, the Sixers took a local kid in Temple’s Lavoy Allen. He won over Philadelphia in his two predraft workouts with the team, and worked his way to having the right to compete for a roster spot.

CBSSports.com: C+
The Sixers needed size. They would have taken any big that was available here and Vucevic was the best available at 6-10. Taking Motiejunas would have been a bigger gamble and at least Vucevic has work ethic. He has no athleticism, none to speak of, and is, in a lot of ways, Spencer Hawes. But there's no point in creating a logjam for yourself just to avoid drafting for need. The Sixers could have done worse for how their roster is constructed. Lavoy Allen will not be joining us next year.

Chris Mannix, SI.com:
There wasn't much size in the draft, and Vucevic can provide that and much more for a team that was relying on Spencer Hawes at the center spot. Vucevic is a physical and solid player who measured out as the biggest prospect of this class. His improved post game and mid-range game played a big part in his rise, too.

For more on my thoughts of the Vucevic selection, read my piece from yesterday.

Sixers draft PF/C Nikola Vucevic

As we all suspected, with the 16th overall pick in the NBA Draft, the Sixers went with a big man: 7 footer Nikola Vucevic.

Originally born in Switzerland and raised in Belgium, Vucevic was a three year player at USC and figures to be a PF/C in the NBA. He's known as a decent rebounder and a good shooter for a big man. He isn't the most athletic guy and has drawn comparisons to Mehmet Okur, which is good thing for shooting ability but not exactly a ringing endorsement as an inside presence. How he will fit in with a Sixers team that likes to get up and down the floor is questionable but you can't blame the team for trying to upgrade their very thin frontcourt. Still, it's hard to get too excited about Vucevic, who doesn't appear to have a ton of upside.

The Sixers still have one more pick in the second round. I would expect them to not target any specific position, rather get the best player available. Second round picks don't have a strong track record with the Sixers, so I wouldn't hold your breath for anything special.

2011 NBA Mock Draft Round-up: Who will the Sixers draft?

With the NBA Draft coming Thursday, it's time to take a closer look at who the Sixers might pick with the 16th overall selection in the first round. While there isn't as much to get excited about as last year when they had the number 2 overall pick, there should still be some interesting talent available to the Sixers. While they could make a trade and move up, I'm guessing they stand pat and take the best big man available.

Here is a round-up of some various mock drafts from around the internet to get a good idea of who the Sixers might select with their first round pick:

Sam Amick, SI.com:
Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
For weeks, the Sixers told rival teams that they were going big with their pick. But now comes word that Hamilton is a strong possibility, a change that could be taken as a sign that Philadelphia officials are confident they can find a worthy taker for small forward Andre Iguodala sometime soon. Otherwise, Markieff Morris and Motiejunas would be seen as the most likely big men to be taken here.

Hoopshype.com:
Bismack Biyombo, PF, Spain
The Sixers would like to add a beast inside to do the dirtywork and Biyombo fits the bill. Bismack's lack of offensive skills were readily apparent in his workout in Treviso. How much offensive game he can develop is debatable as is his true age. A tremendous shot blocker using his quick reflexes, length (7-foot-7 wingspan) and explosiveness to protect the rim. Nikola Vucevic and Markieff Morris are possibilities here too. If the team indeed decides to move Iguodala, a forward such as Hamilton or Singleton are possibilities.

RealGM.com:
Nikola Vucevic, C, USC
The Sixers have one of the deeper teams in the NBA, but Vucevic would fill a niche they need.

DraftExpress.com:
Nikola Vucevic, C, USC

Mike Finewax, NBCSports.com:
Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
Faried has a great nose for the ball, is one of the best rebounders in college history and will dive for loose balls without hesitation. Hustle is a word that best describes him, and with Elton Brand likely declining with age and health, Faried appears to be a good fit. There's also talk the Sixers want USC center Nikola Vucevic here, but I'm not sure he's really a top-20 pick.

FoxSports.com:
Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
The Sixers are looking to add a rugged PF in this draft and will hope a player such as Morris is available to them. Bismack Biyombo is also a possibility as the team is desperate for an athletic post, but Morris would be the safer option. The Morris twins have built a reputation for bringing intensity and toughness every time out. Some envision Markieff becoming the better pro (over Marcus) because of his size and better ability to fit a position (PF).

InsideHoops.com:
Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
A scorer who rebounds well but forces some shots and needs to improving awareness

My take: Grab the best big man available. The Sixers need frontcourt depth, and though none of the guys that will be available will be special players in the league, they can still get someone who can rebound and block shots. Whatever they do, they better not take another SG/SF tweener unless they plan on trading Andre Iguodala.