NBA

2017 NBA Mock Draft: Who Each Lottery Team Should Pick

Brett Oswalt  —  @bRo14thekid May 18th, 2017
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3. Philadelphia 76ers (via Kings): Lonzo Ball, PG/SG

Team needs: Guard play, ball security, three-point efficiency

The Philadelphia 76ers have a solid young frontcourt in Joel Embiid and Dario Saric, but the backcourt is a massive question mark. This year, both the point guard and shooting guard positions in Philly were a big minus, as they played their way to a total deficit of -8.5 PER from those two positions (82games).

If Ball's available, this should be an easy decision. This year, the Sixers ended the season 30th in turnover percentage (14.9%) and 25th in three-point percentage (34%). Fortunately, Ball could significantly impact those areas in a positive way. In his 36 games with the Bruins, Ball accounted for just 3.8 turnovers every 100 possessions. He also shot 41.2% from deep on his way to adding 3.4 treys in that same time.

Ball fits the need and could provide so much more. With a lower usage rate (18.1%), he and Ben Simmons -- Philly's point guard of the future -- would co-exist quite well. The two top picks would form a lengthy and versatile one-two punch from their guard positions.

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