Philadelphia 76ers: NBA Draft Team Needs

Philadelphia 76ers

2007-08 Record: 40-42; 3^rd Atlantic

Draft Picks: 16

Key Free Agents

F/G Andre Iguodala (restricted)

G Louis Williams (restricted)

How they got here and what they need

This past season the Sixers went from an early season curiosity to a late season threat to upset someone in the playoffs. While they eventually fell to Detroit in the first round, Philly made steps towards the top of the Atlantic Division, something that hasn't been said in a few years. A star was born in Andre Iguodala, and Louis Williams began to show at time just why he was a draft pick straight out of high school. In Samuel Dalembert, head coach Maurice Cheeks has a defensive presence inside for years to come.

But the missing ingredient is an offensive force on the block that can relieve some of the pressure placed on Iguodala and point guard Andre Miller. And with the trading of Kyle Korver to Utah this season, another outside shooter could also be in the offing with the Sixers' lone selection.

Who they take

There are some good options from which to choose for the Sixers. Big men such as Kosta Koufos, JeVale McGee, Marreese Speights and Robin Lopez stand to be on the board, but only Koufos can offer some relief on the offensive end right now and he'd rather face up than bang on the block in most instances. But if they go for an outside shooter, Kansas' Brandon Rush should also be available. I say they take Speights with this pick.

Draft History (since 2000)

2007: Thaddeus Young (12), Daequan Cook (21), Petteri Koponen (30), Kyrylo Fesenko (38)

2006: Thabo Sefalosha (13)

2005: Louis Williams (45)

2004: Andre Iguodala (9)

2003: Paccelis Morlende (50)

2002: Jiri Welsch (16), Sam Clancy (45)

2001: Samuel Dalembert (26), Damone Brown (37), Alvin Jones (57)

2000: Speedy Claxton (20), Mark Karcher (48)