Once you get an up-close glimpse of Meyers Leonard, the raving reports about his build and upside are clearly affirmed.
Leonard, a 20-year-old center out of Illinois, possesses the makeup and potential that NBA scouts adore. His 7-foot-1 stature, 7-foot-3 wingspan and 250-pound frame give him an incredibly high ceiling, which has resulted in Leonards climb on NBA draft boards.
And on Tuesday, the Sixers wanted to see what he was all about, as they worked out the big man at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. The session was probably their final workout before draft night on Thursday, June 28.
We had a good workout today, Sixers general manager Ed Thorn said. Meyers Leonard is definitely a guy that is in our mix.
But for Leonard to be within their grasp on Thursday, the Sixers would likely have to make a trade to improve their selection from No. 15. The two-year Illini product is expected to go as early as ninth overall and theres a strong chance hell be unavailable when the Sixers clock starts ticking.
The idea of trading up, though, was essentially dismissed on Tuesday by Thorn.
I dont see us moving up, he said. I think were content to be about where we areright now.
NBA
But that didnt stop the Sixers from bringing in Leonard, who performed a variety of shooting drills and skill work during his workout.
We got after it, Leonard said. We did some drills where I could show my athleticism a little bit, so overall it was a good workout.
Heading into the draft, Leonard has been labeled as a high-risk, high-reward prospecta player who could develop into something big or a guy who may never pan out.
I just keep my head focused and continue to stay positive until my name is called, Leonard said.
Traits that no one doubts when it comes to Leonard are his body and defense. The Robinson, Ill., native isnt a typical 7-footer, who are often perceived as slow and flat-footed. Leonards about as agile as any player youll find with his size, can run the floor and finish at the rim.
And defensively is where he excels. Last season, Leonard led the Big Ten in blocks with 1.9 per game and finished with 8.2 rebounds, third-best in the conference.
The reason for skepticism? Offensively, hes seen as a bit raw. He scored 13.6 points per game in his final collegiate year and improved his jumper, but his postgame and scoring ability remain a work in progress.
I think I could be a pretty good player in the NBA, Leonard said. My athleticism, ability to get up and down the court, block shots, play above the rim and shoot it a little better than most people think I can. Im a very self-determined person and want to be successful, so Im just going to do whatever it takes to get better every single day.
He also wouldnt mind coming to a city like Philadelphia and playing for the Sixers.
A good, young team, Leonard said. Got through Chicago, gave the Celtics a run for their money and got the 15th pick. Were going to see what happens, but regardless, I like this place.
In a draft class littered with front-court talent, its unknown where Leonard will land, but he doesnt view that as a problem. Leonards life, to this point, hasnt been easy. He lost his father at the age of six, his mother continues to battle chronic back pain, and his brother is a U.S. Marine who has served in Afghanistan.
Ive been through a lot growing up, but Ive also been blessed in many ways, Leonard said.
Now, he will finally get rewarded with an NBA payday. And if hes available at pick No. 15, the Sixers might get a reward by selecting him.
E-mail Jordan Hall at jhall@comcastsportsnet.com