Deep Sixer

This is the time of year when NBA teams often send out false signals in order to trick their opponents prior to the draft. In other words, there are a lot of liars out there. With that said, there is no disputing the fact that the Sixers are impressed with Yi Jianlian, the 6-foot-11 Chinese forward with the fluid shooting touch.
The Sixers saw him in China and went out to Los Angeles to view a private workout. President and general manager Billy King says he’s not worried about the cultural change, saying that Yi is more advanced at this stage in knowing English than Yao Ming was. And we all see how well Yao has adapted in Houston.
If Yi is there at No. 12, it appears as if the Sixers wouldn’t hesitate to pick him, but the big question is whether he will be there or more importantly, would the Sixers try to trade up for him or somebody else who they like such as Georgetown forward Jeff Green.
King has said that there is parity in this draft after the first two picks and he’d be wary about moving up when there could be a player of equal ability at No. 12.
And there should be a decent player at 12. It seems that Yi has a chance to be better than a good player, but nobody really knows for sure.
It’s interesting that players such as Yi and Kansas forward Julian Wright, who even a week ago wouldn’t have even been mentioned being near 12, might be.
The one team that hasn’t hidden its affection for Yi is Golden State. With a large Asian community, Yi would fit in well with the Warriors. Yet Golden State selects 18th and would have some parts to dangle (Jason Richardson or less expensive options such as Andris Biedrins or even Monta Ellis).
How far Golden State would have to move up for a shot at Yi is the big question. Boston at No. 5, Atlanta at No. 3 and 11, Chicago at No. 9 and Sacramento at No. 10 are among the teams that could have interest.
The Sixers don’t have as many realistic chips to trade up. Every team asks about Andre Iguodala, but the Sixers won’t move him. And teams love the outside shooting that Kyle Korver provides, but so do the Sixers.
So with limited options, it might be tough to move up in the draft because the Sixers seem reluctant to package the 12th and 21st pick to move up a few spots. This could all change as the June 28 draft draws near.