76ers selecting Tre Johnson could damage what they have been building

The 2025 NBA Draft is one day away, and V.J. Edgecombe seems to be running a one-man race to be taken by the Philadelphia 76ers with the third overall pick. While Ace Bailey is still in the mix, another name has been added to the chaos, Tre Johnson, who would raise many questions for the 76ers’ back-court dynamic. 

In his latest mock draft, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic reported that in recent days, Johnson is starting to get increased buzz as an option for Philadelphia at three. Vecenie also stated it’s easy to make a case for the 76ers to select Johnson due to his upside and shooting ability. This is the second time Johnson has been linked to Philadelphia as NBA draft specialist Rafael Barlowe revealed that Johnson, along with Khaman Maluach, is in the mix for it. 

Johnson is entering the draft as one of the best shooters in his class with upside to become an elite three-level scoring wing. In his lone season with the Texas Longhorns, he led the SEC in scoring – averaging 19.9 points per game on 55.7% true-shooting. Johnson also attempted 6.8 threes per game and converted on 39.7% of them. At the NBA Draft combine, he measured in at 6’ 4.75 barefoot and weighed 190.4 pounds with a 6’ 10.25 wingspan.

Needless to say, the Texas product has the physical frame to be an impactful NBA player. It’s just a matter of when Johnson can add extra muscle to hold up on the defensive end and be able to effectively get by players off the dribble. Since he has the physical tools and the upside, you may be thinking “What’s the problem?” 

Why wouldn't the 76ers want Johnson?

The issue is there may be too much overlap between him, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain. At this stage of Johnson’s career, he’s not a plus defender due to his limited size, which would limit his ability to potentially play at small forward alongside Maxey and McCain. Johnson’s speciality is movement shooting and that happens to be McCain’s best quality as well. The soon-to-be rookie may have better shot creation chops than McCain, but his playmaking is an area of improvement as well.

While Johnson is capable of making solid reads, he often settles for low-percentage self-created shots. Between the defensive deficiencies and offensive weaknesses, it’s difficult to see how he could be maximized alongside Maxey and McCain. All three of them have defensive limitations and aren’t natural playmakers, maybe with the exception of McCain.

Some of you may be calling me a hypocrite since V.J. Edgecombe is first on my 76ers big board, but there’s a difference from him and Johnson. Coming into the NBA, Edgecombe is already an impactful defender who can alleviate the defensive pressure from Maxey and McCain. Although Johnson could develop into a decent defender overtime, Edgecombe gives Philadelphia’s back-court a different element with his intensity and athleticism.

Still, Johnson has the offensive prowess to develop into an all-star caliber player, more so than Edgecombe. If the 76ers are banking on upside with pick number three, then Johnson could very well be heading to the City of Brotherly Love. I wouldn’t be opposed to Philadelphia taking Johnson, but there are a lot more questions than answers compared to a prospect like Edgecombe.