Sixers Draft 2nd Round Wishlist: Rakeem Christmas

Today’s Sixers Draft wishlist for the 2nd round is Rakeem Christmas. I’ve been watching Christmas since he played for my high school alma mater North Catholic back in 2008. I’m also a Cuse junky so I’ve seen pretty much every one of Christmas’ collegiate career. That being said, I’d love the Sixers to grab him in the 2nd round.

Christmas is 6-9/250lbs with a 7’5 wingspan. Last year in the ACC, arguably the toughest conference in college hoops, Christmas averaged 18 points and 9 boards.  Christmas is one of the older players in the draft at 23, but is one of the more polished after playing 4 years of college hoops.

He’s a bit undersized to be an NBA center, but his athleticism and wingspan helps to overcome his 6-9 height. Christmas is athletic and finishes well around the rim. He’s a solid rebounder and an excellent shot-blocker.

The negatives: Christmas played almost entirely zone defense. He’s got a nice jumpshot, but his release is a little slow. Rakeem also doesn’t have a go-to post move and his back-to-the-basket game needs improvement.

What I really like about Christmas is that he has improved every year, which demonstrates his willingness to work and improve.

Christmas has the body and maturity to contribute now. Is he a starter? No. However, he can give you solid minutes off the bench. I could see him playing 20 minutes and putting up 8pts/5rbs while blocking a shot or two. Gotta find depth in the 2nd round and I think Christmas will give a team just that. He might be the perfect player to come off the bench and give Noel a rest.