2011 NBA Mock Draft Round-up: Who will the Sixers draft?

With the NBA Draft coming Thursday, it's time to take a closer look at who the Sixers might pick with the 16th overall selection in the first round. While there isn't as much to get excited about as last year when they had the number 2 overall pick, there should still be some interesting talent available to the Sixers. While they could make a trade and move up, I'm guessing they stand pat and take the best big man available.

Here is a round-up of some various mock drafts from around the internet to get a good idea of who the Sixers might select with their first round pick:

Sam Amick, SI.com:
Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
For weeks, the Sixers told rival teams that they were going big with their pick. But now comes word that Hamilton is a strong possibility, a change that could be taken as a sign that Philadelphia officials are confident they can find a worthy taker for small forward Andre Iguodala sometime soon. Otherwise, Markieff Morris and Motiejunas would be seen as the most likely big men to be taken here.

Hoopshype.com:
Bismack Biyombo, PF, Spain
The Sixers would like to add a beast inside to do the dirtywork and Biyombo fits the bill. Bismack's lack of offensive skills were readily apparent in his workout in Treviso. How much offensive game he can develop is debatable as is his true age. A tremendous shot blocker using his quick reflexes, length (7-foot-7 wingspan) and explosiveness to protect the rim. Nikola Vucevic and Markieff Morris are possibilities here too. If the team indeed decides to move Iguodala, a forward such as Hamilton or Singleton are possibilities.

RealGM.com:
Nikola Vucevic, C, USC
The Sixers have one of the deeper teams in the NBA, but Vucevic would fill a niche they need.

DraftExpress.com:
Nikola Vucevic, C, USC

Mike Finewax, NBCSports.com:
Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
Faried has a great nose for the ball, is one of the best rebounders in college history and will dive for loose balls without hesitation. Hustle is a word that best describes him, and with Elton Brand likely declining with age and health, Faried appears to be a good fit. There's also talk the Sixers want USC center Nikola Vucevic here, but I'm not sure he's really a top-20 pick.

FoxSports.com:
Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
The Sixers are looking to add a rugged PF in this draft and will hope a player such as Morris is available to them. Bismack Biyombo is also a possibility as the team is desperate for an athletic post, but Morris would be the safer option. The Morris twins have built a reputation for bringing intensity and toughness every time out. Some envision Markieff becoming the better pro (over Marcus) because of his size and better ability to fit a position (PF).

InsideHoops.com:
Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
A scorer who rebounds well but forces some shots and needs to improving awareness

My take: Grab the best big man available. The Sixers need frontcourt depth, and though none of the guys that will be available will be special players in the league, they can still get someone who can rebound and block shots. Whatever they do, they better not take another SG/SF tweener unless they plan on trading Andre Iguodala.