The Sixers were lucky in last week’s draft lottery. Philadelphia jumped from the No. 6 odds to the No. 3 pick, securing a chance to select a top-three prospect. They had a chance of falling out of the top-six and losing the selection entirely. Luckily, the Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t earn the rights to a top-10 selection. There have been recent rumblings about trade ideas, but 76ers President Daryl Morey’s most recent comments make it seem they have their eyes set on selecting a high-upside prospect at No.3.
Sixers Eyeing High Upside With No. 3 Pick
Positional Comfort
Last week on 97.5 The Fanatic, Morey emphasized the team’s comfort and satisfaction with their position in the draft and the importance of finding a high-upside prospect who can immediately contribute in their desire to compete in the Eastern Conference.
“Three, we feel very comfortable about the player who will be there. Really excited, and yeah, it was definitely a celebration day and a high-drama day that all Philly fans and everyone in the front office and coaching staff went through. … To get a high-upside player that we also think can contribute right away is a big deal, and we feel three is a great spot to be.”
Competing Remains a Priority
However, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, some teams don’t trust Morey’s comments and expect the Sixers to entertain trade offers for the No. 3 pick. The Sixers are also expected to be active in trade negotiations involving several stars around the NBA. Trading for a star like Kevin Durant remains a possibility.
When healthy, the Sixers have the talent on their roster to compete as soon as next season. Most notably, Joel Embiid should be fully recovered from his knee injury by then. Jayson Tatum‘s Achilles rupture gifts Eastern Conference teams like the Sixers an opportunity to take advantage of the 2025-26 campaign. The conference becomes more open and completing a massive trade would display Philadelphia’s top priorities.
Prospects to Watch
The two prospects who will most likely be available at No. 3 are Rutgers wing Ace Bailey and Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe. The two high-upside prospects both fit the mold of what the Sixers are looking for in this draft.
Ace Bailey
Although Bailey has a raw offensive skillset, he possesses natural skills that can’t be taught. Entering last season, his untapped talent why he was a prospect who could potentially catapult into the No. 1-overall conversation. Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1 steal per game in his freshman season at Rutgers alongside another top-tier draft prospect in Dylan Harper.
Bailey’s fit in Philadelphia is intriguing as he wouldn’t be the team’s primary scorer, giving time for him to develop into his unique frame. In addition, Bailey complements the Sixers’ roster construction with his positional versatility. In the past, veteran forward Paul George has given the freshman heavy praise and could contribute to Bailey’s development.
VJ Edgecombe
In comparison, Edgecombe has unreal athleticism he uses to provide immense impact on both sides of the floor. He showed that bounce at the combine with his 38.5″ vertical. As a defender, he became a disruption for the opposition to handle. As a freshman for Baylor, Edgecombe averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
Edgecombe’s skillset would supply the Sixers with increased athleticism in their crowded backcourt. The Sixers have offensive-minded guards with contributions from Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Quentin Grimes. However, Edgecombe’s defensive versatility would naturally open significant minutes for him.
Potential Plan For the Future
As Philadelphia maintains their draft position, it signifies their confidence in identifying the most ideal prospect for their team in this draft. Adding a high-upside prospect could be appealing as a reset to the team’s timeline. This could offer long-term hope amid Embiid’s injuries and George’s terrible contract. The Sixers will want this No. 3 pick to contribute to winning basketball while developing into the main data point of the franchise’s future.
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