ESPN’s Latest NBA Mock Draft has Sixers Selecting Ohio State F E.J. Liddell

The Philadelphia Sixers found out on Wednesday they will in fact have a pick in the first-round of the NBA Draft which is right around the corner on June 23.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nets deferred the pick to next years draft.  The pick was acquired as part of the James Harden deal.

With the draft four weeks away, it’s mock draft season, and the Sixers could add another piece to the rotation with their first-round pick at No. 23 overall.

The latest mock draft from ESPN’s Jonathan Givony has Philadelphia focusing on the defensive end of the floor, adding versatile big man, E.J. Liddell from Ohio State.

Most NBA teams operated under the assumption that the Nets would punt this selection to 2023 and gamble on the Sixers sending an even better pick next year if the wheels come off in Philadelphia. On June 1st ESPN reported the Nets would exercise that option. Philadelphia could very well look at adding a versatile big man like Liddell who can protect the rim, switch on the perimeter and has a high floor as a prospect after improving his shooting significantly as a junior. His productivity and toughness make him a solid option for a Sixers team looking to win now, one that needs to find value on rookie-scale contracts.

Lindell is a versatile forward, who can a protect the rim, switch on the perimeter and score the basketball.  At 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, the 21-year-old was a member of the Big Ten All-Defensive Team.

He averaged 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.6 blocks per game for the Buckeyes last season.

The Sixers currently have Tobias Harris at the forward position, but could use an athletic wing defender, that can cover on the perimeter off the bench.

What's more likely, the Sixers use the pick to try and package in a deal to acquire a more NBA ready player.  Don't be surprised if the Sixers use pick No. 23 and a player or two to try and add more NBA talent to the current roster.

The Sixers do not own a second-round pick.

You can listen to the NBA Draft on Thursday June 23 on 97.3 ESPN.