Who's Flying Under the Radar?: What names to look out for during Thursday nights NBA Draft
- uk76ers
- Jun 24
- 9 min read
It's been another whirlwind week in the NBA. Despite the Finals only just finishing, trade season has well and truly begun with Kevin Durant setting off to Houston and Desmond Bane heading to Orlando after a trade was finalised just over a week ago. Fortunately for us fans, the action will not stop even if we now have to wait another 4 months for a ball to be bounced on an NBA court. From a Philadelphia perspective all eyes have been fixated on this years draft after acquiring the #3 pick in last months lottery. Since then, speculation has been rife. Will the Sixers pick Ace or VJ, will they trade down, could they even trade up? What has perhaps been neglected is where can the Sixers find their diamond in the rough, what can they do with the #35 pick. And should they trade down, where is the value towards the tail end of the first round?
With the news coming from Ace Baileys camp about how the prospective number 3 pick has refused to engage in a workout with the franchise due to a desire to have assurances of a large role in the side, many have now questioned his fit and his maturity. This has given rise to an increased number of people calling for the Sixers to trade down as a result opening up the possibility that the Sixers could really be drafting from anywhere. Utah, Washington, New Orleans, and Brooklyn have all expressed a potential interest in trading up, and if a deal is struck the complexion of our draft can completely turn on its head. In recent years the Sixers have found some gems outside of the lottery in Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Isaiah Joe, additionally the likes of Jalen Brunson, Nikola Jokic, and Khris Middleton have all been second round finds, underlining the idea that their is some serious talent to be found if you know where to look. So, if Daryl Morey does decide to make some moves, who is it we as Sixer fans should be keeping our eye on and hope they make their way to South Philly.
Cedric Coward, 6'6, SG/SF, Washington State, Age: 21
24/25 stats: 17.7PTS, 7REB, 3.7AST, 56%FG, 40%3P (2 attempts), 2.5 BLK & STL
Draft Projection: #15
Since the start of last month, Cedric Cowards stock has continued to rise. Coward started as a late first/early second round pick to now be someone who could maybe be a lottery pick. Off of Cowards stats alone, it shouldn't be a surprise to many as to why he's drawn so much attention. Coward is coming off the back off a strong senior year with Washington State and has shown his versatility on the basketball court, demonstrating his efficacy on both the offensive and defensive end. From the Sixers perspective pairing the 6'6 Coward in the backcourt with Tyrese Maxey could be an extremely beneficial duo, mitigating some of Maxey's shortcomings on the defensive end whilst simultaneously allowing him to operate off ball with Coward taking charge. Cowards 7 foot wingspan has made him one of the best defensive guards in the class, but his offence has also attracted many suitors with an ability to create off the dribble and score at all 3 levels. In most drafts, teams find themselves looking for the next young star, someone to be the 'Face of the NBA.' Whilst Coward isn't the young star fresh out of high school like say a LeBron James, nor is he someone coming off the back of a dominant freshman year like Cooper Flagg, Cowards 3 years at college could be of real value to the Sixers who don't necessarily need a star in the making, merely someone who will complement their existing star-studded cast and someone who can develop into one of the best role players in the league.
Noah Penda, 6'7, SF, Le Mans (France), Age: 20
24/25 Stats: 10.2PTS, 5.1REB, 2.6AST, 44%FG, 30%3P (3 attempts), 1.8 BLK & STL
Draft Projection: #28
With the rise of basketball in Europe drafting from overseas has become a reliable way to source talent, with players Rudy Gobert, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wenbanyama all following this route. What works to Pendas advantage here is that he is used playing against fully grown men game in, game out, therefore getting to grips with the physicality of the NBA should be no issue. Penda relies on his size and athleticism to generate most of his looks. He battles hard in each and every play enabling him to nip in to the hoop, steal rebounds, and create second chance points. Penda's 3 point shot is a work in progress, he can semi-reliably knock down an open 3, but 30% from 3 is not enough in the modern NBA. But so long as Penda shows a dedication to his craft, the same drive and determination he illustrates on the court, then one would hope these numbers improve to a respectable rate.
Adou Thiero, 6'7, SF/PF, Arkansas, Age: 21
24/25 Stats: 15.1PTS, 5.8REB, 1.9AST, 51.4%FG, 25.6%3P (1.6 attempts), 2.3 BLK & STL
Draft Projection: #30
Like Penda, Thiero boasts an incredibly high motor which works nicely in tandem with his size and athleticism. Where Thiero arguably exceeds Penda is his defence. Thiero can comfortably guard wings, but also smaller, nippier guards, providing any team who draft him with a defensive Swiss Army Knife. His 7 wingspan and 8'8 standing reach makes him an extremely imposing figure allowing him to defend to an adequate level in the paint too. Thiero however suffers from similar ailments to Penda, that being his sub-par ability on the offensive end. As currently constructed, Thiero has a shot which most NBA teams will happily leave wide open and live with the consequences. He's yet to fully harness his size to generate offence for himself too. Thiero does have a strong playmaking ability to show off, illustrated by some solid assist numbers, but as he looks to take the step up to the NBA improvements will have to be made offensively, so that the full benefit of his defence can be felt. As the likes of Matisse Thybulle have shown, you can be one of the most talented defenders in the NBA, but if your shot is unreliable your minutes will simply drop.
Liam McNeeley, 6'8, SF, UConn, Age: 19
24/25: 14.5PTS, 6REB, 2.3AST, 38.1%FG, 31.7%3P (5.4 attempts), 0.8 BLK & STL
Draft Projection: #22
As far as offensive talent goes you won't find much better late in the first round than McNeeley. The UConn wing has one of the best looking jumpshots in the class and can drain them at a reliable rate. Although his low 3-point percentage may indicate a lack of ability from beyond the arc it is worth prefacing that McNeeley takes a number of difficult shots off screens or from a seriously deep range. Some would maybe argue that this therefore makes him unreliable due to a poor shot diet, but many would still rely on McNeeley to still provide strong offence for any NBA team especially considering he'll be asked to do less, allowing him to refine his game and generate numbers from the field that are more reflective of his true ability, especially now that he'll have better playmakers to complement his game. McNeeley can also facilitate well and works exceptionally hard on the defensive end, however his lack of size could mean that more seasoned NBA wings could utilise their size and bully McNeeley despite his best efforts. Immediately McNeeley offers himself as a handy shooter at the very least, the next step for McNeeley will naturally be to strengthen up allowing him to compete with stockier wings and commit more on drives to the rim and draw fouls.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, 7'2, C, Creighton, Age: 23
24/25 Stats: 19.2PTS, 8.7REB, 1.1AST, 65.3%FG, 34.4%3P (1.7 attempts), 3.2 BLK & STL
Draft Projection: #31
Anyone who boasts the size of Kalkbrenner is naturally going to offer strong interior defence. With a 7'5 wingspan, Kalkbrenner has been wreaking havoc in the 'Big East' denying plenty of points in the paint. Offensively too Kalkbrenner does the basics well, operating as an effective screener in the pick and roll, finishing plays and making strong reads. Like most 5's in the modern game, Kalkbrenner has looked to incorporate a 3 point shot into his game. It is by no means automatic, but it's respectable to the point where defenders will have to at least be aware of the threat. Kalkbrenner offers a solid option to back up Joel, to the point where you'd be comfortable to allow him to start some games, assuming you allow Joel to have some rest throughout the season. Like any player, Kalkbrenner has his weaknesses, he's not the most polished offensively especially in the post and could be exploited defensively should he be found isolated on the perimeter. But given Kalkbrenner would likely be a second round pick, he really would be a low-risk pick who'd operate at a relatively high floor.
Will Riley, 6'8, SG/SF, Illinois, Age: 19
24/25 Stats: 12.6PTS, 4.1REB, 2.2AST, 43.2%FG, 32.6%3P (1.3 attempts), 0.6 BLK & STL
Draft Projection: #25
Despite a slightly wiry frame it's hard to ignore the upside of Will Riley. At 6'9 he covers the court with ease allowing him to be a nuisance on both ends with a shot that is fundamentally sound. That's not to say he's the finished article, Riley himself would be the first to admit that the shot requires more work when it comes to his percentages but it's an easy fix, and thankfully the Sixers wouldn't need to call in the shooting coaches that attempted to help the likes of Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons. Riley has been a commanding presence on the College scene, gaining 15lbs of muscle allowing for his drives to attract even more attention, getting him to the free throw line on a regular basis. He's also shown an aptitude to pick a pass when he needs too, though he's far from a playmaker. Rileys dedication to his craft excites many scouts, that dedication will be crucial in his game translating over. Riley has to continue to pile on some muscle, otherwise the defensive lapses evidenced at the collegiate level will only magnify further, as will his underwhelming ability to claim rebounds for a 6'9 player.
Carter Bryant, 6'8, SF/PF, Arizona, Age: 19
24/25 Stats: 6.5PTS, 4.1REB, 1AST, 46%FG, 37.1%3P (2.8 attempts), 1.8 BLK & STL
Draft Projection: #12
Bryant does has everything you'd want in an NBA wing. An explosive athlete, Bryant has the ability to finish above the rim, whilst also demonstrating a keen eye from the beyond the arc. On the other end of the floor he already has the size and strength to match NBA wings as well possessing the lateral quickness to defend guards. However, beyond being an effective 3 & D wing Bryant lacks the ability to affect the game elsewhere. His playmaking is limited to the point of ineffective, and his offensive game outside of his smooth shot can be pretty deficient leading to potential lapses due to a lack of involvement when it matters most. This is reflected in a low points per game tally of just 6.5 across the 37 games he played last season for Arizona. If Bryant projects to be the player many have predicted then he'll be a great rotational piece for years to come, perhaps evolving into one of the great 3 & D players of the future. But the obvious concern has to be how he can break through the glass ceiling and become more than just a role player.
Noa Essengue, 6'10, SF/PF, Ratiopharm Ulm (France), Age: 18
Stats 24/25: 12.4PTS, 5.3REB, 1.1AST, 56%FG, 29.4%3P (1.9 attempts), 2 BLK & STL
Draft Projection: #18
At 6'9 with a 6'11 wingspan and a whopping 9'3 standing reach, Essengue could easily be a future DPOTY candidate. Essengue has been a fiend in the passing lanes in Eurobasket, whilst showing a strong capability to defend most positions on the court owing to his unique athletic abilities. Essengue has dominated the boards creating second chance points for himself in the process as he looks to continue to develop a jumper in the midrange to take full advantage of defensive lapses. His high motor has allowed him to make devastating cuts to the rim, but unfortunately these have not been utilised nearly enough by Essengue who needs to assert himself more offensively. To unleash that offensive potential he has to work on his jumper which can be unreliable at best. His 60% FT percentage is also a clear cause for concern, indicating that when it matters most he may be targeted late in key games, rendering his defensive qualities as largely ineffective, particularly in the clutch as he simply cannot be on the floor if he's a black hole on offence. Essengues shortcomings can be easily remedied, but there's a lot to develop.
Which of these players would you like the Sixers to draft?
Cedric Coward
Noah Penda
Adou Thiero
Liam McNeeley
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