ESPN’s Givony on Sixers: ‘There are a ton of guys I Like’

We are just one day away from finding out what the Sixers will do with the No. 10 pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft, But we are nowhere closer in determining the outcome.

Many mock draft's expect the Sixers to pick either Villanova's Mikal Bridges, or Kentucky's Kevin Knox or maybe Miles Bridges from Michigan State. However, there are plenty of intriguing options for the Sixers if they in fact stay in the No. 10 spot.

ESPN’s NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony, who in his most recent mock draft pegged Philadelphia to nab local favorite, Mikal Bridges, says there is another guy he would like for the Sixers if he was there at No. 10.

"The one that stands out to me as far as being intriguing for Philly is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander," Givony told The Sports Bash on 97.3 ESPN.

"Just because he’s 6’6, has a 7 foot wingspan, he can guard ones, twos, and threes, he’s not great, but a decent shooter with his feet set, he’s improving in that area and has a great feel for the game."

The Sixers own six picks in this years draft, which means they have the ability to really move around, package picks and find and stash more talent.  While experts opinions have varied on the depth of the 2018 draft class, Givony thinks there is plenty of talent to be had.

"There are a ton of guys that I like," Givony admitted on the Sports Bash.

"This is a very deep draft, there are a number of players we thought were going to go back to school that would have been top 20 draft picks next year that ultimately ended up staying in the draft. Then you have a bunch of guys who were big time risers throughout the process."

Remember the Sixers have four second round picks, and Givony think there are a handful of options when looking at potential options for Philadelphia.

"Well Rodions Kurucs is a guy to keep an eye on," Givony mentioned when asked about some second-round options. " People are saying his floor might be 39 to Philly. We’re also hearing a little bit of Issuf Sanon, he’s a Ukrainian guard with African roots. He is extremely athletic, he’s got a great body, had a terrific showing at the NBA Global Camp a few weeks ago. Mark Eversley was there sitting front and center watching that and so you really think if the Sixers keep those picks, they’re going to have to take European players that don’t need to be on the roster next year."

Givony also mentioned the strong possibility that the Sixers took a player like Dzanan Musa for example, or an Elie Okobo, at No. 26.  Both players fit the mold as really talented European players, who are under contract for next year, who the Sixers can stash and let them develop on somebody else’s time.

"Like we’re seeing the Sixers do with Jonah Bolden for example," Givony explained.

"He’s coming over next year and he’s much more ready to help a team now after a year in the Euro-league than he was a season ago coming out of the Serbian league. That’s something to keep an eye on."

Givony mentions a ton of other options that have seen their stock rise since the start of the draft process that could be in play if the Sixers waned to add a legit talent at No. 26.

"Guys like Jerome Robinson from Boston College, like Aaron Holiday from UCLA, like Kevin Huerter from Maryland, Josh Okogie from Georgia Tech," Givony says.

"All these guys had very strong pre-draft processes, they’re all in the first round now and so it pushes guys down to the back of the first round and also even in to the second round, up to around 40 or 45. I think there is a lot of quality to be had there, but the big question mark if you’re the Sixers is how many rookies can you have on your roster next year?"

Of course the Sixers could move their picks, and land a player like Kawhi Leonard, and sign LeBron James in free agency.

Should be a wild night.