NBA Draft 2024: 3 options for Philadelphia 76ers to pick at No. 16

Equipped with over $60 million cap space this offseason, the Sixers have major decisions ahead. With former MVP Joel Embiid and first-time all-star, Tyrese Maxey, in tow, the Sixers are likely to take a player with the 16thpick in the NBA draft who can help them maintain contender status. Despite many experts thinking lesser of this year’s draft class, there are plenty of impactful options for the Sixers to take right outside of the lottery. In this article, the top three most realistic options will be discussed. 

Jared McCain - Duke Blue Devils

 Despite measuring at 6’2” at the NBA draft combine, McCain’s ability to play off-ball in catch-and-shoot situations as well as off-ball movement, McCain and Tyrese Maxey would be an excellent shooting and versatile backcourt. McCain shot 41.9% on catch & shoot threes and 41.4% from three-point range overall. While showing flashes of playmaking ability, if McCain is playing alongside Maxey for the majority of his minutes, this would mitigate McCain having the ball in his hands and forcing him to make plays.

McCain also isn’t an elite athlete; however, playing alongside Maxey and Embiid does not require elite athleticism. Despite Nick Nurse’s creativity, at times, the Sixers offense looked stagnant. They need a reliable third or even fourth option on offense, and with a max cap space slot and McCain, that should alleviate that need.  

McCain and the Sixers fit each other like a glove, and he should be the biggest priority for the 76ers franchise. Given the amount of space Joel Embiid consumes in the paint and the mid-range, and Tyese Maxey is a walking paint touch himself, adding the best shooter in this class makes the offense that much more dynamic. There are some concerns about McCain’s defense, but as long as Joel Embiid is protecting the rim for this 76ers team, the defense will remain pretty elite.