What They're Saying: Mixed reviews for Sixers' draft

The Sixers drafted St. John's freshman forward Maurice “Moe” Harkless with the 15th pick in Thursday night’s NBA Draft (see story).

The team later acquired big man Arnett Moultrie from the Miami Heat in exchange for the 45th overall pick and a future first-round selection. Moultrie is a 6-foot-11 power forward/center from Mississippi State capable of playing both inside and outside (see story).

As for their first pick, the one made before the trade, here’s what they're saying around the league about Harkless, via Liberty Ballers' get-to-know Moe piece.

From the St. John’s Red Storm blog, Rumble in the Garden:

Harkless can develop on the pro level. But he still has a way to go in terms of physical strength and consistency. The effort level is strong, and his stroke looks smooth. Harkless' shooting percentages in mid-range and deep-two-pointer range was good. But he hasn't hit the three-pointer with consistency. Moe Harkless hit 21.5% of his outside shots this season.

To his credit, Moe did improve his shot-creation skills during the year, improving his ability to get shots off of the bounce, his driving from the right wing, and his ability to finish at the rim. A player with his skills should draw more fouls and shoot a higher percentage from outside, but the skills appear to be developing.

Matt Moore of CBS Sports gave the pick of Harkless a C+ grade, and the Moultrie selection a B- grade, writing:

This was somewhat baffling because the Sixers have guys at his position -- Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young. Harkless is young and will take some time to develop, but he's got a chance to be a quality starter in the league. He's long, rebounds well and can also get to the basket and finish. He can be brought along slowly, but the reward could be tremendous.

The 76ers needed a big man with the potential loss of Lavoy Allen and they were fortunate that Moultrie, who has no shortage of off-court question marks, was still on the board at 27. Moultrie's major strength is his ability to rebound -- and that's what Philly needs. Moultrie also possesses a decent skill level, but he'll get on the court due to his ability to get things done on the glass.

More optimistic, Fox Sports gave the Sixers an A for both first round selections::

I don’t think the Sixers could have gotten more given their draft position. In a few years, I see Harkless as one of the steals of this year's draft. Incredibly smooth, long and athletic, Harkless has a power forward’s interior feel with a small forward's mobility. Moultrie was even more of a steal. He has lottery tools, including 6-11 size, elite athleticism and a jumper that’s unappreciated. He also led the SEC in rebounding. Philly didn’t have a pick in the lottery and landed two studs. Exceptional draft work by a top-notch scouting organization.