Just How Good Are Philadelphia 76ers 2016 NBA Rookie Class?

Tomorrow’s NBA team is built upon today’s NBA rookie class. Focusing exclusively on 2016 first year players, how good are the Philadelphia 76ers rookies?

The Philadelphia 76ers are such a young team that it’s oftentimes difficult to distinguish among the current team, and the rookies on that team. But for this exercise, that is exactly what we will do.

Let’s begin at the 2016 rookie class of the Philadelphia 76ers, which includes: Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, Ben Simmons, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, and Furkan Korkmaz.  If you like, we can also include Euroleague’s Vasilije Micic as well.

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Assessing a rookie class is often difficult this early in the season, but these are no ordinary rookies.  Of the group, two are red-shirted players originally selected in the 2014 draft.  Of course, we are talking about Joel Embiid and Dario Saric.

One of the players is the top selection of the 2016 NBA Draft, where he was not- so-much valued on any one thing he could do well, but on the many things Ben Simmons can do on a basketball court.

Two of the players, selected 24th and 26th respectively, were valued as the number one and two prospects in the “3 and D” categories.  While Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot apprentices under the tutelage of Gerald Henderson, Kormaz is overseas, along with Micic.

That’s an entire basketball team’s worth of players, plus a sixth man.  But how good are they?

Dec 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) misses a dunk attempt past Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Denver Nuggets won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Trust The Process

No player in the NBA has been so very dependent upon their general manager as Joel Embiid had been to Sam Hinkie.  So many cheaply state just how obvious it was to the NBA basketball minds that Embiid would be a franchise player.  But at the time, he entered the 2014 NBA Draft with a fractured foot, stress fractures in his back, and a very shallow history of basketball experience to draw upon.

Top selection Cleveland Cavaliers readily walked right on past, despite having a need at the post, and selected small forward Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins was subsequently traded tot he Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Love. In Minnesota, he is averaging 22.1 points per game.

Secondly, the Milwaukee Bucks chose power forward Jabari Parker.  So far, he is averaging 19.0 points per game.

Worth The Wait

In Philadelphia, the 76ers were content to select Joel Embiid as the third pick of the 2014 NBA Draft.  Only one of two centers who came to the NBA in the 2014 draft from that first round (the other is Denver Nuggets Jusuf Nurkic), his NBA debut did not happen in 2014, nor in 2015.

But 2016 proved worth the wait.  He is creating a “stretch-5” position in the NBA.  What do I mean?  He is shooting 44.2 percent from the three point line (19-43) to go with 45.8 percent shooting from the floor and 77.8 percent shooting from the foul line.  That all adds up to his 18.2 points per game average.

But he does so much more. He accounts for 7.6 rebounds per game, 1.7 assists, 2.5 blocks, and even reaches in for an occasional .6 steal per game. His production is so good, that he is outdistancing all competition for rookie of the year.

But this team is not built sole on Joel Embiid’s shoulders. There are others waiting in the wings as well.  But clearly the Embiid selection was the right choice.

Rookie Grade: A + (extra credit)

Dec 8, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) celebrates after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The 76ers defeated the Pelicans 99-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Trust Me, I’ll Be There

The Philadelphia 76ers were building the 2016 team in the 2014 NBA Draft. Where Joel Embiid was projected to rule the paint, the perimeter needed a sweet shooter who could mix it up against big bodies. But in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers walked in with the third and tenth picks of the draft.

Without the opportunity to trade up, the team doubled down by selecting point guard Elfrid Payton with the tenth pick of the 2014 NBA Draft, and immediately flipped him. As the Orlando Magic patted themselves on the back, the Philadelphia 76ers watched the plan unfold.

The Philadelphia 76ers had power forward Dario Saric, and they wiped the slate clean on owing future draft picks as a result of the trade (the Andrew Bynum – Arnette Moultrie trade aftermath). Win Win.

Now He’s Ready

Dario Saric has matured in the Euroleague, facing seasoned veterans and improving with each competition. While so many focused on the economics of when would the Croatian standout venture to the NBA, his only consideration was his pledge to do so in two years.  It was two years that was needed, per Saric’s own opinion:

So far this season, that red-shirted-NBA-hiatus seems to have been the secret recipe. As a rookie, Saric is averaging 9.9 points on 24.6 minutes per game.  He is also contributing 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, .5 steals and .3 blocks per game.  But on a team looking for shooters for the future, Saric is a consistent 39.6 percent  on shooting from the court, and 39.3 percent shooting from three-point range.  It’s a solid showing for the rookie.

Oh, did I mention Saric is the runner up in the 2016-2017 ROY?

Rookie Grade: A

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Top Of The Charts

Any other team, or any other season, would find the top draft pick of the previous NBA draft as the hottest topic. But Simmons injured his foot and delayed his arrival to the basktetball court.   Meanwhile two red-shirted rookies stepped up and carried the load for the team so far. While six wins do not seem like boasting foundation, the team has already won consecutive games at home and on the road.

Simmons is the first “wild-card” to the team’s 2016-2017 season.  Too optimistic, and nothing he does will seem to be enough.  Too pessimistic, and the team will simply plan around his absence.

But Ben Simmons is more than just another draft pick.  His entire scouting report was robust in all basketball skills.  Ultimately, his projection sold a player who makes the players around him all the better.  As we’ve seen so far, there is some solid talent on this team here and now.

To understand the “Simmons Impact“, we only have summer league data and faith. Oh, one other thing. We have a head coach who has known little Ben all his life.  While Brett Brown has worked with a less than stellar roster for some time, his mantra of “Pace, Space, Pass” is finally gaining traction with this group.  Simmons simply amplifies everything.

Closure

This Philadelphia 76ers team has lost 18 games so far this season. Of that amount, eight games were winnable. Either the team tied up the score to send it into overtime, or simply watched a late lead fade away.

No player stepped up.  No player not named Ben Simmons, that is.

Crunch time is “Simmons Time”.  His ability to bang bodies in the paint for the shot runs at a premium in the closing minutes.  But that is just one of many ways he will deliver wins.

His ability to snap pass the ball to the post will give Joel Embiid great looks for the game winning shot. But as defenses react to that option, he can flip the ball out to the corner post for the clean three.  In fact, as the opposing team tightens up on defense, more of Simmons directed passes will slip through to the open shooter.

Sergio Rodriguez, Jerryd Bayless, and even T.J. McConnell can play point guard in the NBA. Still, none can match the multi-faceted threat of Ben Simmons when the game hangs in the balance.

If Joel Embiid is the engine to this team, Simmons is the drive shaft

Rookie Grade: A (on potential impact)

Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) drives past Phoenix Suns guard John Jenkins (23) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

This Team Needs TLC

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is the 24th selected player from the 2016 NBA Draft.  From the moment of selecting Ben Simmons with the top pick, the Philadelphia 76ers immediately turned towards the holes in the roster Simmon’s presence would amplify.  Wing defense and shooters.

So far, the Luwawu has been easing slowing into the NBA.  Through November 2016, he was seeing a mere 6.0 minutes per game, usually well after the game had been decided.  But in December, his playing time is increasing ever so slowly.  In a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, TLC saw a season high 16 minutes, converting the playing time into seven points and two rebounds. In fact, the  game capped a three game period where TLC averaged 12 minutes per game, 3.67 points per game, 1.3 rebounds, .3 steals and .3 blocks.

Unfortunately, that same period generated 2.3 fouls per game.

In spite of his youth, he is a tenacious defender.  Sometimes compulsive defender.  In the realm of raw energy, disciplined rules, and blank canvas, Luwawu-Cabarrot is inspired, but not adept.  He loves to play, backs down from nobody, and bird dogs his assignment across the basketball court.

Sledge Hammer Surgery

But he is a sledge-hammer in the operating room. For now, he has much to learn about finesse, positioning. Rather than surgical precision, Luwawu-Cabarrot emphasizes passion.  The challenge going forward is to harness that passion into more productive and precise effectiveness.

Will it happen in 2016-2107?  It’s hard to conclude that it happens on so little playing time. But keep in mind that there were plenty of shooting guards pulled out of the 2016 NBA Draft.  In “Per 36” analysis, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is equal to each and every other NBA rookie in the field.

So it’s a perspective.  On one hand, TLC has much work to do to achieve his full NBA potential.  On the other hand, he is on par with many other rookies drafted far earlier than he. So how do you rate the pick?

Framing this selection as the 24th pick in a 30 slot round, and in the acknowledgement that he is at par with other first round selections at shooting guard, he gets the benefit of the doubt.  Young? Yes.  Raw. Yes. Needs playing time? Yes.

The rules of the NBA haven’t changed. Rookies arrive raw. Coaches develop  and process the raw potential into NBA talent for years to come.  TLC’s best days are ahead of him.

Rookie Grade: B +

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Furkan Amazing

Furkan Korkmaz is the 26th selected player from the 2016 NBA Draft.  He was the closest prospect to the “3-and-D” prospect in the draft to the potential of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.

Furkan Korkmaz is the first player in the 2016 NBA Draft subject to the “draft-and-stash” method of placing young talent overseas in the Euroleague. That “draft-and-stash” method was used to grow Dario Saric into an NBA ready forward.

But Furkan Korkmaz is younger, and less-refined, than the 2014 version of Dario Saric.  Can he get the playing time overseas? Right now, he is a subject of conflicting reports of reassignment to Pinar Karsiyaka to improve his playing time.

Still Growing

Korkmaz is still growing physically, and that dictates the timing of his talent development.  While he has a good foothold in fundamentals of basketball, practice makes perfect.  As Korkmaz improves overseas, the Philadelphia 76ers will be working through backcourt growing pains this year.   This off-season, the team risks losing Sergio Rodriguez, T.J. McConnell, and even Hollis Thompson, all of whom have helped the 76ers back court.

Korkmaz is by no means a certainty in terms of future NBA starter.  But he has the potential, and will get the time, to fully develop to seize the NBA opportunity when extended his way. In the end, his scouting report promises huge upside.

Rookie Grade: B –

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

VM Another Potential PG prospect

Euroleague’s Vasilije Micic can be recalled to the Philadelphia 76ers lineup, and is thereby included in the assessment of raw and future impacting talent on this team. Drafted 54th in the famous (or infamous) 2014 NBA Draft, Micic is a 6-foot-5 206 pound point guard.

At this point in time, Micic is more of an asset, than a feasible 2016-2017 impact player.  However, this can change.  As Ben Simmons assumes his role as point guard with his arrival, that could impact the team’s design on point guard going forward.  Micic, at 6-foot-5, has many similarities with 6-foot-10 Ben Simmons.  Both are tall (obviously), good distributors, and will create shooting opportunities for teammates. It’s no stretch to see that he has the potential to serve well in a backup role.

Another Role

But Vailije Micic can serve another role on this team as well.   As the Philadelphia 76ers continue to fall below the NBA salary cap, Micic becomes that trading chip to allow the Philadelphia 76ers to absorb costly players from other teams with a draft pick fee.  It happened when the Philadelphia 76ers absorbed the contracts of Carl Landry, Jason Thompson, and Nik Stauskas, plus draft picks, from the Sacramento Kings in 2015. In the deal, the 76ers  sent the rights to Arturas Gudaitis and Luka Mitrovic, drafted 47th- and 60th-overall in the 2015 draft respectively, to the Kings.

With the trade deadline on the horizon, an NBA team near the playoff picture may seek salary relief in order to take on an expensive player.   In that scenario, Micic may come into play.

Rookie Grade: C

Nov 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Dario Saric (9) battle with Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Pass or Fail?

Finally, you are at the end of the article now.  And so, you must decide individually if this rookie class has delivered the promise of a future championship for Philadelphia.  Knowing the future is impossible.   Detecting the slope of improvement now and projecting forward is certainly achievable.

The Philadelphia 76ers stand on the top two players of 2016, and may have the best of the bunch coming.  In the second tier of talent “for the future”, all three are back court players with the right size and raw talent.  While not all three will deliver on their promise of NBA ready play, it’s not outlandish to belive that two could do so.

In 2016, the Philadelphia 76ers have a center, a forward, two point guards, and two shooting guards. They are all very young, very talented, and some are already making their marks on the NBA.

No Historic Equal

The history of the Philadelphia 76ers has been decorated.  This team has found success in previous NBA drafts: Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley, Andrew Toney, Darryl Dawkins, and more.  But in the history of the NBA Draft of the Philadelphia 76ers, never has this city witnessed so much raw NBA talent arrive to the team in one season.  The keys to this franchise have hinged upon two positions: center, and point guard.   At no time have the Philadelphia 76ers filled both positions with such upside simultaneously.

I don’t say this without trepidation.  I know the feel of this team may be less than my eyes tell me, so I rely upon you, the reader, to look at this city and this team’s draft history, and find a better time to be a Philadelphia 76ers fan.

Until that evidence arrives, I cannot help but place this team on track for an NBA championship. In any case, this roster is swelling with talent, and more will arrive with each subsequent draft.

As a matter of fact, this team is being built the right way, from the ground up, and to endure many seasons of success.

Final Grade: A + +