In what will be remembered as a lost season for the Philadelphia 76ers, there is a small consolation prize that could end up awaiting them at the 2025 NBA Draft. Finishing the regular season with the fifth-worst record in the NBA, the Sixers are currently slotted in with the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Even though this won't be final until the NBA Draft Lottery, it does give the fan base a little hope heading into the offseason. If the Sixers' pick does remain in the top 6, they'll be able to add a talented young player to an already loaded roster as they'll look to rebound in a big way next season
The Sixers have a 10.5 percent chance to earn the No. 1 overall pick, they have a 42.1 percent chance to carve out a top-4 pick, and, overall, a 64 percent chance to keep their pick (if it lands in the top 6). If it does fall out of the top 6, the pick would be conveyed to the Oklahoma City Thunder from a previous trade involving Al Horford and Danny Green.
The Sixers' draft fate will ultimately be decided on May 12 at the NBA Draft Lottery, but as we continue to wait out the ping pong balls, let's explore what the team's plan can be in every possible scenario they may find themselves in at the 2025 NBA Draft.
What if the 76ers get a top-2 pick?
There's a small chance it will happen, but if the Sixers do end up moving into the top 2 of this year's NBA Draft, it could certainly change the outlook for the team. Most draft pundits believe there are at least two franchise-changing players in this year's class - Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. If the Sixers were to land a top 2 pick, the decision would be easy - Flagg at No. 1 or Harper at No. 2. However, the more interesting part is examining what type of impact it could end up having on the rest of the offseason.
Even though it may not be a likely scenario, if the Sixers do land a player as talented as Flagg or Harper, it could push the team closer to a rebuild. At the very least, it would give the team much more flexibility as they look to build around Joel Embiid. But, in the end, this may be a pipe dream with just a slightly higher than 10 percent chance of this happening.
A decision if the 76ers get pick No. 3
With a shot to move up into the No. 3 slot, it could make for an interesting decision for the Sixers. On one hand, many believe that the no-brainer pick should be Ace Bailey. He's a talented offensive mind with endless possibilities on that end of the floor. But I'm afraid that Bailey may struggle while playing with such a talented supporting cast. It may sound strange, but he may not be a ready to contribute prospect on a title-contending team.
Nevertheless, the talent does speak for itself. The acquisition of Bailey could also open the door toward the team potentially trading Paul George in the near future if he does end up being better sooner than expected. If Philly does get lucky enough to move up two spots in the lottery, I'd imagine there wouldn't be much of a debate here, either. Bailey would almost certainly be the fit as a complementary piece next to Tyrese Maxey and Embiid.
76ers would control the rest of the NBA Draft with pick No. 4
In many opinions, the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is where it really gets interesting. Assuming that the first three picks are more than likely going to end up being Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey, the Sixers will have a chance to dictate this next part of the top 10. V.J. Edgecombe is a player most discussed to be taken No. 4 overall, but I'm not sure he'd be the best fit for the Sixers - especially with the emergence of Jared McCain this past season.
At this point, with the "can't-miss" prospects already off the board, it would be interesting to see what the Sixers may have up their sleeve. They could take one of the big men in an attempt to add some depth behind Joel Embiid, but even this may seem too high for that type of reach. Another option for the Sixers, especially if they're not sold on any one prospect, would be to trade down. If the Sixers could add another future asset while still getting a lottery selection, it could be a huge win for the team.
The Sixers could also make a safe play by taking one of the sharpshooting specialists like Kon Knueppel or super sixth man Tre Johnson. Or maybe they don't think twice about it and take Edgecombe. The bottom line is that the Sixers will have a true decision to make starting at pick No. 4.
The plan if the 76ers' pick lands at No. 5 or 6
Much like the options that the Sixers will have with the No. 4 overall pick, if they stay at No. 5 or fall back to No. 6, this is where you will see the team hopefully take a player who will help the team in a more complementary way right away. Players like Flagg, Harper, and perhaps even Bailey are the types of prospects that alter plans for a franchise. I can't imagine that will be the case for whoever the Sixers take at No. 5 or 6.
A few prospects that would make sense for Philly at this point in the first round would be names like Kon Knueppel, Derik Queen, Khaman Maluach, Tre Johnson, Egor Demin, or Liam McNeeley. While none of these prospects would completely change the foundational core for the team, they all could help improve the Sixers next season. The goal for the Sixers, if they end up keeping this pick, especially if it ends up being outside the top 3, is to improve the supporting cast around Embiid.
What if the 76ers lose the pick?
If the Sixers end up losing the pick, well, there's not much they can do. It would not be a great look for the franchise, and there would be a lot of regret on some of their most recent decisions. At that point, the Sixers would have to hope they can re-sign Quentin Grimes and continued internal development. Perhaps most of all, though, they must focus on getting healthy this summer.