The Sixers insisted they would take the best guard available -- regardless of position -- despite seemingly needing a point more because unrestricted free agent Andre Miller can leave after July 1 and there is no replacement on the roster.
At No. 17, the Sixers went with UCLA guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday, who declined to work out for Philly because he expected to go much earlier, impressed them with his defense, athleticism, decision-making and his maturity despite just turning 19. "We're thrilled," said team president Ed Stefanski. "We liked Jrue Holiday, but we didn't think he was going to get to us. You sit there and you're patient. There was no discussion among the group. He was our guy. It was unanimous."
"We tried to move up to get him but couldn't," said Sixers assistant GM Tony DiLeo.
While the Sixers are pleased with landing the 6-3 Holiday, they said they don't plan to push him into an integral role if he's not ready. But that's not what Holiday has in mind.
"I see myself as being an impact player (right away)," Holiday said. "That's my expectation of myself -- to come in and play. I feel I can come in and have an impact, especially defensively, and lead the break. I'm a pass-first point guard."
Holiday, who played out of position at shooting guard last season to allow Bruins senior Darren Collison to remain at the point, believes he can use falling to No. 17 to his advantage during his rookie NBA campaign.
"Honestly, it's motivation to do better," Holiday said. "I wasn't expecting it. I wish I could've gone higher. I really don't think there are 16 players in the draft better than me."
