Sixers Draft 2nd Round Wishlist: Michael Qualls

This is the third and final addition to our Sixers draft 2nd round wishlist. Today, we add a player that seems like a typical Hinkie move: Arkansas’ Michael Qualls. Why is this a classic Hinkie target? Low risk and extremely high reward.

Qualls is a physical phenom. Earlier this week we discuss Tyler Harvey and mentioned that he was the best shooter we saw all of last season. Qualls, by far, is the most exciting finisher we saw last year. He is a human highlight reel, making ESPN‘s Sportscenter’s Top 10 a total of 13 times.

Qualls is great in the transition game where his athleticism makes him hard to stop on the open floor. He’s solid on the offensive boards. Qualls loves to drive the rack and get contact. He shoots 77.5% from the line and was 2nd in the SEC in fouls drawn per 40 minutes. His athleticism also gives him the ability to be a solid defender at the next level if he stays focused. At times, he seemed to lose focus on the defensive side. Qualls held his own against tougher NCAA competition putting up 18 vs. Kentucky and 27 vs. NC.

The caveat with Qualls is that he tore his ACL during a workout. Most believe this will drop him to late in the 2nd round or maybe free agency. Because of this, he seems like the perfect target for Hinkie, who has 5 2nd round picks.

A healthy Qualls could be an energy guy off the bench helping on both sides of the ball. Could he be an Iguodala type player? Possibly, but his defense needs to get better. Listen, if dude’s twitter name is Mr_WALKONAIR, I’m in. Get this guy in a Sixers uniform.