Philadelphia 76ers: 2009 NBA Draft

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:41:36 -0700

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

- We’ll update our Team Capsules with more specific info once the lottery is complete.

Philadelphia 76ers

2008-09 Record: 41-41 (2^nd Atlantic; 6^th in the East)

Draft Picks: 17^th

Key Free Agents:

Andre Miller (unrestricted)

How they got here:

Philadelphia began the season hoping to pose a serious threat to Boston in the Atlantic Division, thanks to their signing of Elton Brand in the summer. But the Sixers were unable to make waves in the early going, losing Brand for the season due to injury and watching Maurice Cheeks get fired after a listless start. The resulting changes, along with Tony DiLeo being named interim head coach, allowed Philadelphia to get back to the fast pace that sent them flying into the playoffs last season. The two Andres, Miller and Iguodala, were solid throughout and allowed Philadelphis to be competitive against Orlando in the first round.

What they need:

In regards to their lone draft pick, what they plan to do with Miller will determine what kind of player they look for. If Miller does re-sign the Sixers will look more at the two-guard slot, possibly going for a combo guard to both spell Miller and provide some added scoring punch at the two. If Miller doesn’t return Philadelphia will lean more towards a pure point guard with their lone selection.

Who they’ll draft:

Look for quality guards such as Eric Maynor, Jeff Teague (should he remain in the draft), Jonny Flynn and Jrue Holiday (maybe even Tyreke Evans should he slip this far) to be part of the discussion in the Sixers’ war room. With Brand coming back and youngsters Marreese Speights and Thaddeus Young also returning Philly doesn’t need to worry much about the frontcourt. They’ll draft a guard here with the hope that they can re-sign Miller, allowing the rookie time to develop.

Draft History (since 2000)

2008: Marreese Speights (16^th)

2007: Thaddeus Young (12^th), Daequan Cook (21^st), Petteri Koponen (30^th), Kyrylo Fesenko (38^th)

2006: Thabo Sefalosha (13^th)

2005: Louis Williams (45^th)

2004: Andre Iguodala (9^th)

2003: Paccelis Morlende (50^th)

2002: Jiri Welsch (16^th), Sam Clancy (45^th)

2001: Samuel Dalembert (26^th), Damone Brown (37^th), Alvin Jones (57^th)

2000: Speedy Claxton (20^th), Mark Karcher (48^th)

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

Top Prospects

Stephen Curry - PG/SG - Davidson

Tyreke Evans - PG/SG - Memphis

Blake Griffin - PF - Oklahoma

James Harden - SG - Arizona State

Jordan Hill - PF - Arizona

Ty Lawson - PG - UNC

BJ Mullens - C - Ohio State

Ricky Rubio - PG - DKV Joventut

Brandon Jennings - PG - Arizona

Hasheem Thabeet - C - UCONN