Over the weeks leading up to the 2017 NBA draft, we'll be making cases for the Sixers to draft several prospects. Our series will kick off with options at No. 3 (or trade downs) followed by second-round possibilities. The 2017 NBA draft will take place on June 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Tyler Dorsey
Position: SG
School: Oregon
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180
Wing span: 6-5 ¼
Dorsey, a sophomore, shot 42 percent from three this season on 5.3 attempts a game. The previous season, he shot 41 percent on 4.6 attempts a contest as a freshman. Suffice to say, Dorsey is a shooter.
The 21-year-old guard got his name into the draft conversation by having a sensational March. Starting with the Pac 12 Tournament and going all the way into the Final Four, Dorsey averaged 23.3 points a game in that eight-game run. He shot a blistering 56 percent from three during that span.
He's undersized for a two guard and doesn't possess the ball handling ability to play the one. He's not crazy long or athletic. He's just a flat out shooter and scorer.
The case for Dorsey
The Sixers need shooters. Look no further than the former Duck. Where Dorsey especially flourished was in catch-and-shoot situations. With Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz and Joel Embiid drawing so much attention, there will be open looks for a guy like Dorsey.
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Robert Covington and Nik Stauskas are on expiring contracts as of this posting. Gerald Henderson's option hasn't been picked up. Jerryd Bayless is 29 and has two years left on his deal. The Sixers could use a young two guard that can shoot the basketball to complement their star talent.
Dorsey's performance in March shows a confident and clutch player as well. Just ask Kansas. He hit 6 of 10 threes and scored 27 points against the Jayhawks in helping Oregon to its first Final Four appearance since 1939.
Dorsey's confidence was on full display when he worked out for the Sixers at the beginning of the month.
"A lot of teams are going for the two-guard tandem," Dorsey said. "I think I can come in and be that two-way player. … I would fit in good [with Simmons.] He's a willing passer, a pass-first guy on the court. I would love to play with him and spot up and knock those shots down."
The case against Dorsey
Dorsey is a one-trick pony. He plays below the rim and he isn't nearly big enough to guard NBA twos. He's only 6-foot-4 and his 180-pound frame will likely get caught up in screens at the next level. He was able to score off the dribble as his confidence grew, but his lack of athleticism could hurt him in that regard at the next level.
The Sixers situation at two guard is murky. But if they decide Covington and even Stauskas, who did show signs of improvement last season, are worth extensions, that could start to crowd the position. You also have a pair of players that were selected late in the first round of last year's draft. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot flashed promise at the end of last season and Furkan Korkmaz is just a buyout from his Turkish club away from showing what he can do in the NBA.
The Sixers also have four second-round picks and not enough roster space. It's hard to imagine all four picks are used.
Analysis
The Sixers have lacked scoring for what seems like forever. They were ranked 25th out of 30 teams in points per game last season.
Forget the lack of athleticism and the defensive efficiencies. This kid can shoot lights out and that's exactly what the Sixers need. You could use a lineup with Fultz and Dorsey in the backcourt, with Fultz covering the two and Dorsey the one.
There is certainly a chance that Dorsey won't be able to overcome his size at the next level, but so what? It's a second-round pick and if his shot translates, it could be a valuable weapon.
