College underclassmen who have entered the NBA draft but haven't hired an agent face a decision that will not only affect their immediate future but that of teams like the 76ers as well. These underclassmen have until June 18 to decide whether to become pros or go back to college.
And the Sixers will be holding their collective breath, especially concerning two players who they had individual workouts with - Georgetown junior forward Jeff Green and Washington freshman center Spencer Hawes.
Both players have impressed the Sixers and although it's possible both won't be around when the Sixers pick at 12. If either is around, the Sixers would likely strongly consider taking one or the other.
Even if the Sixers don't take Hawes or Green, if both return to college, it weakens the draft. It would be a surprise if either returned to college, especially since Green and Hawes have impressed the teams they have worked out for.
Both are not only good basketball players, but are high character, intelligent young men. Green could become a true lock-down defender at the three-spot, allowing Andre Iguodala to play the two-guard.
Hawes is a rare commodity in college - a true low post presence. Sixers president and GM Billy King says that Hawes, despite just turning 19 in April, could earn immediate minutes in the NBA. How many minutes would depend on his development.
Without Green and Hawes in the draft, it moves two non-lottery picks into the lottery. Picking 12th is difficult enough, but having to do it without two promiment players is worse. The Sixers and other late-picking lottery teams were dealt a blow when Georgetown center Roy Hibbert pulled out of the draft. Hibbert was considered a late lottery pick.
So no matter how strong this draft is, it would be seriously weakened without Green or Hawes.
While the Sixers would be fortunate if either is available when they pick at No. 12, it's as important that they are there for somebody to choose so the draft can maintain its depth.
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Decision Time For Underclassmen Will Affect Sixers
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Marc Narducci is in his 23rd year as a sports reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer. The 2007-2008 season will be his first as the 76ers beat writer. For the past two seasons, Marc had been the backup writer for the Eagles. Over the past few years Marc covered the NBA, NHL and Major League baseball as well as writing on sports media. Prior to covering professional sports, Marc was a long-time high school sportswriter for The Inquirer's South Jersey section.
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