While all the attention is on the Philadelphia 76ers’ plans for the 2025 NBA Draft and the upcoming off-season, they’ve discreetly been scouting players overseas. Since the 76ers struck gold with Guerschon Yabusele last summer, there seems to be an increased focus on international scouting. Philadelphia reportedly has its sights set on yet another overseas forward that could make more of a long-term impact.
Yannick Kraag could be a hidden gem
According to international basketball writer Chema de Lucas, the 76ers are reportedly interested in offering a two-way contract to Yannick Kraag, who is a 22-year-old, 6’ 8 forward with Joventut Badalona of Liga ACB – a professional basketball league based in Spain. This season, he appeared in 53 games for Joventut Badalona where he posted 6.6 points per game on 51.5% shooting from the field and 34.4% shooting from beyond the arc and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Kraag has spent six seasons playing in Liga ACB as he first debuted in the 2019-20 season at just 17 years old. Last year, Kraag declared for the 2024 NBA Draft but ended up going undrafted and returned to Joventut Badalona. However, if the 76ers or any NBA team, are interested in taking a gamble on Kraag, they will have to wait a little bit longer as he has one year left on his contract with Joventut Badalona.
If Kraag ends up in Philadelphia on a two-way deal, he’ll come in as a lengthy forward with upside on both ends of the floor. According to a scouting report from NBA Draft Room, his length and athleticism allow him to thrive on the defensive end and find success attacking on the open floor. His shot creation and perimeter shooting are still a work in progress, but the potential is there.
The 76ers have had international success before
Currently, Philadelphia has two slots open for two-way contracts as Jeff Dowtin and Jalen Hood-Schifino are set to enter restricted free agency. Alex Reese is taking up one of the 76ers’ three available two-way spots as he signed a two-year, two-way deal in February. It’ll be interesting how Philadelphia uses its remaining two-way contracts as the draft and Summer League unfold.
The 76ers have a good reason to feel optimistic about Kraag or any other high-upside overseas prospect. Philadelphia added Yabusele on a veteran minimum before this season and he became a pivotal role player who will surely be one of the most sought-after players in free agency. The 76ers also signed Lonnie Walker IV in late February after his brief stint with Zalgiris Kaunas of the Lithuanian Basketball League. While Walker didn’t elevate Philadelphia like Yabusele did, he still had a strong close to the season.