The Sixers’ late-season tank was not in vain as the team will have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Let the debates begin!
While the Sixers didn’t capture the Flagg Monday night, they did land the No. 3 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, meaning they will keep their pick. Their 2026 first-rounder (top-four protected) will now likely go to the Oklahoma City Thunder to close the book on the Al Horford trade.
Considering how disastrous last season went, their late-season tanking was not done in vain. The Sixers have a premium first-rounder in what’s considered a strong draft class. Whether they select a player or move the pick, it’s a valuable asset to possess. Thanks to the Quentin Grimes-Caleb Martin swap (thank you, Nico Harrison), the Sixers also re-acquired their 2025 second-round pick, which will be No. 35 overall.
With Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper almost assuredly set to come off the board with the first two picks, the Sixers will have some options to choose from at No. 3.
Let’s look at a few players that could be available.
V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
Edgecombe is a hyper-athletic off-ball guard listed at 6-foot-5. He might offer the best two-way potential in this draft outside of Flagg. His jumper was inconsistent with the Bears, but his stroke is far from broken. While he’s not a great creator, his dangerous first step and elite quickness could lead him to creating offensive advantages at the next level.
Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
Harper’s teammate with the Scarlet Knights feels like a pretty polarizing prospect. While he didn’t show much as far as creation ability in college, his smooth pull-up jumper and length at his listed size of 6-foot-10 gives him the ability to shoot over most defenders.
Tre Johnson, G/F, Texas
I have become LB’s resident Tre Johnson stan. Players standing 6-foot-6 that can shoot and score at Johnson’s level are rare. While Duke’s Kon Knueppel is known for his shot (more on him in a bit), I believe Johnson has the purest stroke in this class. He has some work to do as a playmaker and defensively, but those weaknesses have been overblown. This young fella can really hoop.
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The South Sudanese big man stands at 7-foot-2 and is listed at 250 pounds, but is also incredibly agile for his size. He was a defensive monster for Duke, protecting the rim and even showing the ability to switch on the perimeter. His offensive skillset is still raw, but he has good touch and has shown potential with his jumper.
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Queen was outstanding in his lone season at Maryland, hitting one of the most clutch shots of the NCAA Tournament against Colorado State to get the Terrapins into the Sweet 16. His ability to either face up or play in the post makes him one of the best shot creators in the draft. He showed serious potential as an offensive hub in his lone collegiate season. There are concerns with his defense, but he’s so immensely talented offensively that it might not matter.
Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
There’s an argument to be made for Fears being the best shot creator in the entire class. He’s an outstanding ball-handler and was a nightmare to stay in front of for perimeter defenders. He’ll need to be a much better three-point shooter at 6-foot-4, and his fit with the Sixers would be clunky, but there’s no denying the pure talent of the shifty guard.
Kon Knueppel, F, Duke
Many would argue that Knueppel is the best pure shooter in the class. At 6-foot-7, he possesses the frame to easily shoot over defenses with a quick stroke. He’s not just a shooter either — he attacks closeouts well, either finding space in the midrange, shots at the basket or his teammates for open looks. Defense will be a question mark, but Knueppel is smart and plays hard.