Sixers 2008 Draft Center

Agree to Disagree: mock draft predictions for the Sixers' 16 pick

The general consensus on NBA mock drafts as they pertain to projecting the Sixers selection at #16 is that there is no consensus. However, just about every “expert” seems to agree that the Sixers need to use their pick to strengthen their frontcourt.

This time last year, NBA.com tracked 20 different mock drafts, none of which pegged the Sixers actual selection of Thaddeus Young. However, nearly every outlet did correctly project that the Sixers would select a small forward.

With that in mind, let’s take a look around the web at various mock drafts to see who they have the Sixers selecting along with additional commentary from each site if available.

Results in Brief

Marreese Speights

College: Florida
Class: Sophomore
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6' 10"
Weight: 245 lbs
Predicted at 16:
ESPN - "Huge body with good athleticism and strength. Good low-post scorer. Efficient. Quick in the paint. Good defender and shot-blocker. Excellent rebounder. Tough."
TheHoopsReport.com - Speights is a strong, athletic big man who can run. He may need some time to develop and he needs to improve his jump shot, but Speights has lots of potential."
NBADraft.net - "Fluid bigman with excellent length and shooting touch....Shows a lot of offensive promise with great touch on his shot within 8 feet of the basket."
Inside Hoops

Kosta Koufos

College: Ohio State
Class: Freshman
Position: Center
Height: 7' 0"
Weight: 265 lbs
Predicted at 16:
CNN/Sports Illustrated - "Unless a better option emerges, why not go for a scorer with shooting range to complement Samuel Dalembert?"
Draft Express - "Looking at Koufos’ game, there is certainly a lot to like, starting with some of his abilities in the post, specifically his back-to-the-basket finesse game."
Pro Basketball News - The man who essentially replaced Greg Oden as the focal point at Ohio State didn't get the attention his predecessor enjoyed, but did put up solid numbers."

Donte Greene

College: Syracuse
Class: Freshman
Position: Forward
Height: 6' 11"
Weight: 226 lbs
Predicted at 16:
CBS Sportsline: - "Green, a combo guy, seems more of a 3 than a 4. But he can shoot and find ways to score, and he can probably fit nicely with Andre Iguodala in the Philly frontcourt."
CollegeHoops.net: - "Versatile scorer -- three-pointers, fast-breaks, one-on-one moves. Can get out and run the floor. Can be an explosive scorer."

JaVale McGee

College: Nevada
Class: Sophomore
Position: Center
Height: 7' 0"
Weight: 237 lbs
Predicted at 16:
The Sporting News - "McGee's length and strength make him intriguing."
HoopsWorld

Darrell Arthur

College: Kansas
Class: Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height: 6' 9"
Weight: 225 lbs
Predicted at 16:
Hoops Hype - "Smooth big man with a scoring mentality, and very nice potential both facing and with his back to the basket."

DeAndre Jordan

College: Texas A&M
Class: Freshman
Position: Center
Height: 7' 0"
Weight: 260 lbs
Predicted at 16:
NBC Sports - "A seven-footer with upside."

Robin Lopez

College: Stanford
Class: Sophomore
Position: Center
Height: 7' 0"
Weight: 255 lbs
Predicted at 16:
Real GM - "Robin is obviously the intangibles brother [his twin Brook is also a top draft prospect], with his abilities as a rebounder and shotblocker. He is exceptionally quick to the basket for rebounds, especially on the offensive end."