Arizona's Koa Peat boasts impressive stats, but his game clashes with the Philadelphia 76ers' need for shooting and floor spacing.
In a recent mock draft done by Bleacher Report, Arizona freshman Koa Peat is projected to go to the Philadelphia 76ers late in the first round.
The 6'8", 235-pound freshman played well, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 52.8% from the field; earned Third Team All-Big 12; and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament West Region.
His performances highlight his skill set and what he does well. Peat went off for 30 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in Arizona's season-opening win over Florida, then later posted 24 points and 10 rebounds against Arizona State and 21 points in the Big 12 title game against Houston. In the NCAA Tournament, Peat continued to play well with his physical strength and solid defense sticking out. A 20-point performance against Purdue showed he can compete at the highest level.
His profile makes him an odd fit for Philadelphia. The team does not lack in on-ball creation, with players such as Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and VJ Edgecombe. The bigger issue is what the roster lacks, and that is dependable shooting and cleaner spacing to surround their star players. Philadelphia finished the regular season shooting 34.9% from three, which ranked 23rd in the league.
This is where Peat is an awkward fit. He is at his best with the ball in his hands, playing bully-ball and finishing at the rim; he is a non-factor in terms of his shooting ability. Only 20 attempts from three all season, combined with a 60% free throw shooting percentage, don't paint a flattering picture.
It's worse when you watch Koa in-game; he is hesitant to shoot and is most comfortable forcing his way to the rim, something he won't have nearly as many chances to do on an NBA team with established scorers.
In that sense, Peat would be drafted as a play finisher who can help with bringing energy, rebounding, and physicality. However, if the Sixers are drafting for need and fit, then Peat does not help them, as a player who can space the floor and be a connective passer would be preferable.
Peat is a solid prospect with the potential to be a very good finisher and defender at the next level, but Philadelphia is not the environment where his abilities would be maximized.
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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at dixonwesley286@gmail.com.