BTBP Mock NBA Draft: Editor’s Edition

Mar 21, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard D’Angelo Russell (0) sits on the bench before the game against the Arizona Wildcats in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

What The Experts Say:

"He has proved to be a terrific, efficient scorer despite the fact that defenses in the Big Ten are keying in on him every night as Ohio State’s only real weapon on offense. – Chad Ford, ESPN"

What The Player Says:

"This is a whirlwind to me. Being a top player in the Draft, I never expected it, I wasn’t really on any draft boards coming into college…To see the teams get the top five, top ten picks where I’m supposed to be projected to go…I mean I didn’t want anybody to get the first pick, the second pick or third pick. It didn’t matter to me. I feel like wherever I go, I’m going to try and make the best out of it. – D’Angelo Russell"

What BTBP Says:

If the consensus suggests that the pair of big men will go at one and two, that would seem to work out pretty well for both Russell and Philadelphia. The former Buckeye is outstanding offensively, and at 6’5″ seems like a good fit to be a scoring point guard in the NBA.

With the cast already in tow in Philly, and the potential for Dario Saric to come over and join them, as CBS Sports’ Zach Harper indicated Russell could be the player that finally starts to mesh Sam Hinkie’s plan together.

"This is the ideal pick for the Sixers with D’Angelo Russell falling to them. With Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel shutting down the paint, Russell can become their lead guard and set the table on offense."

The Sixers have acquired good talent up front, and drafting Russell would likely be the move that would help re-energize Philly basketball fans for a brighter future. As David Goodman of The Philly Sports Cave puts it:

"The addition of Russell to the Sixers could be one of the final pieces of the puzzle that finally lets the team take the next step. I can already picture him, Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel on the court together, working their magic. It gives me shivers just thinking about it."

Next: With The Fourth Pick Of The NBA Draft The New York Knicks Select...