The Philadelphia 76ers remain the mystery team with just under two weeks to go until the 2025 NBA draft. They hold the No. 3 pick following a disastrous 24-58 season, but there is no guarantee that the Sixers make a selection. This is still a team that has its eyes on contending as long as Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey return healthy for the 2025-26 season.
Therefore, the Sixers could easily trade down in the draft in order to add more capital as well as a win-now player. A team like the New Orleans Pelicans (No. 7 pick) or Brooklyn Nets (No. 8) could be a potential trade partner for Philadelphia.
However, the Sixers could also add a player at No. 3 and bring in a young player to a roster in need of an injection of youth. A mock draft performed by HoopsHype has the Sixers selecting Rutgers star Ace Bailey with the pick:
The 76ers, seeking more offensive punch alongside Tyrese Maxey, and need a power forward, view Bailey as an immediate contributor with upside to become a primary option.
Bailey has generated split opinions among execs. Some see a future All-Star scorer, while others question his shot selection and consistency. This has led to him receiving a boom-or-bust label in league circles.
Scouts believe his defensive potential is underappreciated: “He’s long, quick, and can switch onto wings and guards.”
Some view Bailey as the second coming of Kevin Durant, but that is more a hope for him. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds along with 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals. One has to believe that he can contribute defensively right away at the next level, but his offensive game will take some time to develop. He is a tough shot-taker/tough shot-maker kind of player, which is helpful in the NBA, but it’s not great in terms of shot selection. The Sixers don’t really have time to develop a young player at this stage when they have their eyes on contending in the wide-open East in 2026.
