The Basketball Gods looked kindly on the Sixers at the NBA Draft Lottery. Not only did the 76ers keep their top-six protected pick, they also moved up two spots to third overall. Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are expected to be selected first and second, while the 76ers have too many options at three. With Joel Embiid’s long-term health up in the air, the Sixers must simultaneously manage to contend and build for the future. Keep clicking for a breakdown of 76ers’ draft options and what each means for the franchise.
Ace Bailey was a highly touted high school prospect; unfortunately, he did not do much to impress in his sole season for Rutgers. Bailey is a willing defender and rebounder, with a high release point on a smooth three-point shot. He demonstrated an ability to make tough shots in college, but that can be a double-edged sword with NBA prospects.
The 6’7″ Bailey has drawn lazy comparisons to Kevin Durant—you’d have to squint and forget how prolific Durant was at Texas—but he has a much less complete game. He is a classic lottery prospect, with incredibly high upside and a devastatingly low floor.
VJ Edgecombe was not as well-known in high school as Bailey, but the fellow freshman left an impression on college basketball this past season. His NBA-ready athleticism led Baylor to an NCAA Tournament appearance, something Harper and Bailey did not manage at Rutgers. Edgecombe projects to be a plus defender and already has the talent to be a catch-and-shoot player off the bench.
If the Sixers’ stars are healthy this season, they’ll need all the bench help they can get. Edgecombe has a much higher floor than Bailey, but scouts doubt he has the size to be a superstar.
Kon Kneuppal and Tre Johnson are reaches at three, but they are potential fits for the Sixers, each for different reasons. Kneuppal is more NBA-ready, with a sweet three-point shot and nice assist numbers. Fans are wary of his athleticism, size, and general Doug McDermott-ness.
At 6’5″, Johnson is an electric scorer at all three levels. Unfortunately, he tends to settle for high-difficulty shots, even though he made them easily at the college level, it’s typically harder to get them to fall in the NBA. Despite concerns about his ball movement and overall attitude, Johnson could be a future star, but he needs more time to develop than the Sixers can spare.
Trade scenarios for the Sixers’ third overall pick abound, and it’s worth looking at a few. Philadelphia may be desperate to move Paul George’s massive contract this offseason, and packaging him with the third overall pick may get it done. The Jazz, Pelicans, and Nets could all put together a deal that includes veterans and their teams’ lottery picks for three. Lauri Markannen, Herb Jones, and Cam Johnson are vets who could help the Sixers immediately.
If a trade back happens, offensive phenom Derick Queen could be the Sixers’ target. The Maryland product was dominant as a passer, creator, and scorer in college, but the 6’9″ center did not provide much defense around the rim.
Trading a pick this high in the NBA draft is rare, but the Sixers are in a rare situation. If they decide to go all in on Paul George and Embiid next season, a trade for a fourth star could be in the works. The biggest name in this group is two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Paired with a healthy Embiid, there’s not a single NBA team that could contain the duo. The Greek Freak may be good enough on his own for Philly to contend for a title, even if Embiid doesn’t play.
The real, 6’11” Kevin Durant, entering next season at 37 years young, is another possible trade target. The fit makes sense, but others will demand his services, and it’s doubtful a third star on the other side of 30 is the answer.
Daryl Morey has predictably played this decision close to the chest thus far. Giannis would be a “wet dream” (hat tip to Jeff Lurie and Troy Vincent’s sensitive soul) for the Sixers. The history of NBA Lottery picks who did not make the NCAA tournament is mixed—Ben Simmons, Anthony Edwards, and Markelle Fultz—so Bailey should scare the hell out of 76ers fans.
VJ feels too safe at three, but he’s made significant improvements in the past few years and, by all accounts, has the appropriate mental makeup. A modest trade back and Queen would give the Sixers more space under the salary cap, and allow them to split the difference between the future and next year.
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