The Philadelphia 76ers will face one of the biggest decisions of the offseason on Tuesday when pick 22 comes around in the 2026 NBA draft. They need to find an impact player who would help them right now and in the future. These four players are some of the best options to do just that.
Jayden Quaintance is the biggest boom-or-bust draft pick available in the entirety of this 2026 class. His talent is easily top-ten caliber, but the injury concerns are legit. He’s had serious leg injuries in both college seasons. The 18-year-old is a freak athlete, specifically on the defensive end of the floor. He provides great rebounding and rim protection while being able to switch onto any position. Any development of a jumpshot would put him in conversations for one of the best players in the class.
Quaintance would be able to play behind Embiid as the backup center or start next to him at the power forward spot. Rebounding and defense are things Philadelphia has really been missing in the majority of their playoff runs.
Hannes Steinbach would be the easiest plug-in player for the 76ers. He would immediately start at PF and would give the Sixers great rebounding on both sides of the floor. He isn’t flashy by any means, but he’s the type of player Philadelphia would add if they want to stay in contention.
Chris Cenac would be a project, but he can be developed into the eventual Embiid successor in Philadelphia. He features elite mobility and athleticism from the center position; it’s just a question of whether or not he can put it together at the next level.
Cam Carr is one of the best athletes in the 2026 NBA draft. The question with the 76ers would be whether or not he would fit next to Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Regardless, the talent is there to make it a worthy pick if he falls to 22.
All of the 76ers draft targets will mainly need to address the frontcourt in the 2026 NBA draft, with very few exceptions. Carr would be one of the few guards that would fit the current roster construction. Sticking with a big man should be the way to go when Mike Gansey and the Sixers front office are officially on the clock Tuesday night.
Highest potential: Quaintance
Immediate Impact: Steinbach
Best available: Carr/Quaintance
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