Thanks to the Philadelphia 76ers being slated to pick third in the 2025 NBA Draft, the franchise now has a premiere asset that it can turn into gold. For now, the front office seems intent to keep that pick, which is probably the most sensible direction to take given the current state of the team.
The 2025 draft class is widely reckoned as one teeming with talent, and considering their lofty standing, it would take an insurmountable level of misfortune for the 76ers to end up with a dud. Put simply, Philly cannot possibly flunk this one thanks to the abundance of talent available for them at pick No. 3.
Decision-makers for the 76ers such as Nick Nurse have already hinted at which prospect they are inclined to take, but with the draft still more than a month away, the front office cannot simply rush the process with a name already in mind. A lot of things can happen come June 25, and they must be equipped to make swift changes if their targets are somehow off the board by the time they make their selection.
76ers could pull off a huge surprise in the 2025 NBA Draft
The 76ers are widely believed to choose between Rutgers standouts Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, settling with whoever the Spurs, owners of the second overall pick, will not pluck off the board. However, that may actually not be the case if we’re going by feel.
There is some chatter about the 76ers potentially showing serious interest in picking Baylor product VJ Edgecombe, who is also projected to be selected within the top-five. Longtime NBA analyst Bill Simmons pegs Edgecombe as a prospect who fits Daryl Morey’s player archetype, making him a possible option for Philadelphia.
The shooting guard is easily the most athletic player in the draft, and his explosiveness makes him a promising three-level scorer in the league, especially after the huge strides he made as a contact finisher and perimeter shooter.
Having said that, it would be really surprising to see the 76ers pass up on someone like Bailey, who has the stylings of a potential perennial All-Star, or Harper, who is widely believed to be of top-pick quality were it not for Cooper Flagg, should San Antonio pass up on him.
There is still a long time to go before the Philadelphia 76ers phone in their selection, but at this rate, do not be surprised if the front office goes against the grain and make a suprise pick.