The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to listen to trade offers for the third overall pick. With Joel Embiid and Paul George in their thirties and on max contracts, drafting a young player who may need a few years to develop wouldn’t necessarily be the best strategy if they’re trying to maximize their title odds with their existing core.
If the Sixers keep the pick, it is unclear who they would target at No. 3. Ace Bailey is considered by some to be the third best player in the draft, but he is a prospect who is more theoretical with big upside. Bailey also doesn’t perform well in the kinds of statistical models that Daryl Morey’s front offices are typically known to value.
VJ Edgecombe could be a more logical fit, but his lack of size alongside an already small backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain is a drawback.
“I’ve also gotten a wider sense of appreciation from NBA front offices for Edgecombe than Bailey,” writes Sam Vecenie at The Athletic.
Kon Knueppel would fill a need for the Sixers and could contribute right away, but he doesn’t have the type of upside teams typically seek at No. 3. Tre Johnson is a good shooter, but his defensive concerns are legitimate. Khaman Maluach would give the Sixers a backup center option behind Embiid, but No. 3 would be high for him to be selected.