2017 NBA draft grades: 76ers get their man with Markelle Fultz, trade up for Anzejs Pasecniks
The Philadelphia 76ers have been active early on this summer, trading for the top spot in the NBA draft with every intention of selecting Washington guard Markelle Fultz. The deal with the Boston Celtics was finalized Monday, and it puts the rebuilding Sixers in perfect position to secure a true playmaker. The No. 1 pick will join 2016 top pick Ben Simmons and 2014 No. 3 pick Joel Embiid to begin guiding a team that finished 28-54 last season.
The Sixers have a slew of picks coming both later in the draft and in the coming years. The front office's strategy with those selections will say plenty about where it sees the state of this massive rebuilding process.
Here's the full list of picks the 76ers hold in the 2017 draft, which will be updated with grades and analysis as each selection is made.
Round 1, Pick 1 (No. 1 overall): Markelle Fultz
It’s too early to jump to sweeping, dynastic conclusions, but the Sixers finally found the deal they wanted and got their guy. Fultz was the top prospect in the draft in the eyes of many (SI included), and should pair effectively with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid going forward. We’ll see which draft assets the Sixers wind up losing in the long run, but it felt like the right time for Philly to strike. The Sixers will be one of the league’s most intriguing teams to follow next season, with Fultz at the heart of an all-time extended rebuild. Whatever happens next, it’s a win for today. - Jeremy Woo
Grade: A
Round 1, Pick 25 (No. 25 overall): Anzejs Pasecniks
A source informed SI that this pick is moving from Orlando to Philadelphia. Pasecniks is a talented 7-footer with upside who the Sixers can keep overseas for a couple of seasons if need be. He has some shooting potential and gives the Sixers another asset as they rebuild. - Jeremy Woo
Grade: B+
Round 2, Pick 6 (No. 36 overall): Jonah Bolden, PF, Australia
Round 2, Pick 16 (No. 46 overall): Sterling Brown, SG, SMU
Round 2, Pick 20 (No. 50 overall): Mathais Lessort, PF/C, France
