Hidden in Chad Ford's latest NBA mock draft is a nugget that could directly involve the Sixers.
The Kings want De'Aaron Fox and they might need to trade up to get him.
"There's talk inside the organization about combining picks Nos. 5 and 10 to move up in the draft to secure Fox," Ford writes. "If they found a taker, that would be a high price to pay to move up two to three spots."
A high price, and a price the Sixers would certainly have to consider accepting, especially because they should still be able to get Kentucky sharpshooter Malik Monk, who fills a glaring need but isn't necessarily the best value at three.
Should the Sixers trade the third pick for Nos. 5 and 10, they'll have a little more wiggle room to take some chances. Monk would fill the need, and the other pick could be used on a riskier, more developmental pick. Ford's mock draft currently has French point guard Frank Ntilikina going at No. 10, which could make sense if the Sixers end up owning that selection. Here's Ford's assessment of Ntilikina:
"Ntilikina has great size for his position, plays with strength and displays a great feel. He's also an improving shooter. He reminds me a bit of George Hill," Ford writes. "…He's more raw than the other elite point guard prospects, but at this point in the draft he's a great get."
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But the Sixers' question of who to take won't disappear even if they do move back. Ford has Dennis Smith Jr. slotted at No. 9, and if he ends up being wrong there, Smith Jr. could be another option. Or if they take a guard at 5, a wing might be the better option at 10.
Other players Ford sees potentially getting looks at No. 10 include Duke guard Luke Kennard, Duke forward Harry Giles and Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell.
