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2015 NBA Draft: 5 Perfect First-Round Fits for Philadelphia 76ers

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2015 NBA Draft- 5 Perfect First-Round Fits for Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76er's
Bill Streicher- USA Today Sports

It has been the same story for the 76ers over the last few seasons. Low season standings result in a lottery-bound summer, which for the 76ers, hasn't resulted in a lot of sustained success. Both Michael Carter Williams and Elfrid Payton (first round picks) are with other franchises and Joel Embiid (last year’s pick) has been battling injuries since the start of his short NBA career. This summer's draft has to result in a franchise player.

5. Justise Winslow

Justise Winslow
Bob Donnan- USA Today Sports

5. Justise Winslow

Justise Winslow
Bob Donnan- USA Today Sports

The wing position is lacking real depth on the 76ers' roster, so drafting a wing player with the third overall pick might be exactly what these team needs to ascend in the East. Justise Winslow is by far one of the best wing players in the 2015 NBA Draft, and his defensive prowess would give the 76ers a huge boost in that department. Winslow would instantly start this season.

4. Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja
Jose Luis Surralles- Getty Images

4. Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja
Jose Luis Surralles- Getty Images

When it comes to wing players, Mario Hezonja might be the most well rounded small forward in the top ten of the draft. The 76ers could most certainly use his offensive touch in the starting lineup. Hezonja is especially phenomenal running off screens to shoot and running pick-and-pop sets. His ridiculous wingspan will make it easy for Hezonja to shoot over his opponents.

3. Emmanuel Mudiay

Emmanuel Mudiay
ChinaFotoPress- Getty Images

3. Emmanuel Mudiay

Emmanuel Mudiay
ChinaFotoPress- Getty Images

Ish Smith did an admirable job of running the point for the 76ers this past season, but drafting a player of Emmanuel Mudiay’s caliber could completely change the outlook of that position going forward. Mudiay is extremely effective running the floor and has the length to be a feisty wing defender as well. Mudiay could absolutely become the franchise point guard the 76ers haven't had since Allen Iverson.

2. Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis
Brett Polakoff- Getty Images

2. Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis
Brett Polakoff- Getty Images

Kristaps Porzingis' stock has been rising fast over the last few weeks, and the 76ers are now being projected as the team that will potentially select him with the third overall pick. Porzingis has the ball handling skills of a point guard, the 3-point shooting efficiency of a stretch forward and the size to rebound the ball in bunches. With Joel Embiid’s inconsistency from injury, having another franchise-type forward wouldn’t be a bad idea

1. D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell
Godofredo Vasquez- USA Today Sports

1. D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell
Godofredo Vasquez- USA Today Sports

This is the first round pick best suited for the Philadelphia 76ers out of the 2015 NBA Draft. The team needs another franchise point guard running the floor, and D’Angelo Russell could fill that role better than any other point guard out of the draft. His court vision and playmaking abilities alone should be enough for the 76ers to select him with their third overall pick.

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