The offseason has officially begun for the Philadelphia 76ers, and the 2026 NBA Draft will be first and foremost on their summer whiteboard. In possession of the 22nd overall pick in the first round, the front office will enjoy a much-needed opportunity to bring in a new prospect who can bring an infusion of youth in the roster while also helping the team win now.
With the 2026 draft class reckoned to be a strong one, the 76ers should have an easier time finding a good rookie. That being said, if there is anything they should have already learned from their previous two drafts, it is the fact that they should no longer rely on the rookie pool to solve one of their perennial issues –– depth at the center position.
In recognition of this annual plight, the 76ers drafted two big men in a row in 2024 and 2025 with Adem Bona and Johni Broome. At this point, though, suffice to say that the front office do not exactly deserve glowing reviews for those selections. After all, both of them have yet to truly move the needle for the team as cushion providers behind Joel Embiid.
The 76ers should no longer draft a big man this year
The 76ers are in dire need of a more sraightforward solution to their center position dilemma off the bench, meaning that a rookie simply won't cut it anymore. Embiid will be missing a considerable numbers of games next season at the very least, and the way for this team to remain competitive in those outings is to have a proven option to help fill the former MVP's void.
Bona was rewarded with consistent playing time in his sophomore year, but he did not improve enough to cement his place in the rotation. His finishing declined, and while his acuity as a rim protection remained appealing, his undisciplined play on the defensive end prompted the coaching staff to give him the cold shoulder in the playoffs.
On the other hand, Broome never really got an opportunity to showcase his skills in his rookie season. He spent most of his time in the G-League, and despite his flashy numbers therein, his deficiencies were simply too evident for the 76ers to even give him minutes. Barring a major leap from him this offseason, that does not stand to change at all next season.
The 76ers can afford to draft on the basis of fit this time around. As such, they should seriously consider selecting a prospect who plays a different position instead, especially since they would be better off with a veteran commodity to man the backup center role next season.
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