76ers can't afford to miss on these game-changers in the 2025 NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft is less than a week away and new intel about what the Philadelphia 76ers plan to do with the third overall pick is surfacing almost daily. While V.J. Edgecombe appears to be the favorite for Philadelphia, its plans largely remain a mystery. There’ve been reports that suggest that all options are on the table for the 76ers, whether that’s keeping their pick, trading up, or trading down. Assuming Philadelphia stays within the early lottery range, I’ve listed four prospects that should be on its radar.

1. V.J. Edgecombe

For over a month, 76ers fans have intensely debated whether Edgecombe is a better prospect than Ace Bailey, or vice versa. While my stance has alternated quite a bit, I’ve concluded that Edgecombe is the way to go for Philadelphia. He gives the 76ers the best mix of a player with a high floor and all-star potential. 

Edgecombe is arguably the best two-way guard in his class with high-level point-of-attack defense, off-ball awareness, and a high motor. While Edgecombe has a ways to go as an all-around offensive threat, especially with on-ball creation and playmaking, he’s still a quality spot-up shooter and back-door cutter. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony described Edgecombe as the “leader” within the 76ers to be selected.

His athleticism and drive would fit perfectly into Philadelphia’s newfound vision of surrounding its core with more versatility and youth. Many have questioned the fit due to the potential back-court clutter with him, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Quentin Grimes. However, the 76ers potentially having such versatile guard depth is a luxury in today’s NBA, but they’ll need to add more defensive-minded front-court players for it to work. 

2. Ace Bailey

Bailey has been the most polarizing prospect in the draft, especially when it comes to his fit in Philadelphia. Givony’s report about his desire for stardom and initially refusing to visit the 76ers has rubbed many the wrong way, including me. Though he is set to meet with Philadelphia on Thursday. 

The biggest question is whether Bailey’s desire for stardom simply means confidence or if it implies that he wants to take a high volume of shots each game. While he’s a much more raw prospect than Edgecombe, there is still plenty of reason for the 76ers to be intrigued. Bailey has shown glimpses of unparalleled mid-range shot-creation, elite floor-spacing, and bouncy help-side defense. 

The issue is, it’s mostly been glimpses as Bailey has shown an inability to consistently get to the rim, questionable defense awareness, and worrisome decision-making. Bailey’s upside is undoubtedly eye-catching, but his floor is just as notable. For him to maximize himself in Philadelphia, he’ll have to scale down into a Michael Porter Jr. type of player in his first few seasons.

3. Tre Johnson

While Tre Johnson likely won’t get selected with the third overall pick, he should be highly considered by Philadelphia if it trades down. He’s in a gray area where I believe he’s an elite NBA prospect, but his fit on the 76ers isn’t as optimal as the players listed above him. While someone like Kon Knueppel would be a better fit, a team drafts to take the best player there.

Johnson is an elite movement shooter, who thrives off screens, both on and off the ball, with potential as a high-level multi-faceted scorer. He is what many like to label as a “microwave scorer” as he’s also a quality ball-handler who can create for himself off the bounce. Johnson’s upside triumphs over Knueppel’s, but his weaknesses are what make them interchangeable.

There are concerns with his defensive motor and how his limited size could negatively affect his two-way potential. While Johnson has shown flashes of sound playmaking, he tends to settle for contested shots. Regardless, these issues are fixable with proper development from a mental and physical standpoint. 

4. Kon Knueppel

Originally, Knueppel was largely seen as a 76ers prospect in a tier below Edgecombe, Bailey, and Johnson, but his stock has continued to rise over the past few weeks. While Bailey and Johnson have more promising upside, Knueppel has a drastically more convincing floor, which shrinks the gap between these prospects.

He may not have the draw or the athleticism as others in his range, but his willingness to do the dirty work mixed with his skills as an all-around offensive threat make him intriguing. Knueppel is a knock-down perimeter shooter, especially when utilizing off-ball screens. He knows how to play within an offense and has solid pick-and-roll chops, which is a luxury for a team with contention aspirations.

If Philadelphia were interested in him, perhaps the Utah Jazz would be willing to deal the fifth overall pick. Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the 76ers were interested in such a move if they could shed Paul George’s salary. Larsen said that a trade would probably include Colin Sexton and John Collins as salary-fillers, but that Utah still likely wouldn’t do it.