Philadelphia 76ers 2026 NBA Draft Preview

The Philadelphia 76ers endured a 2025 season that delivered both astronomical highs and devastating lows. Regularly drifting between contender and cautionary tale, their run was marked by injury woes, suspensions, and a historic 3-1 comeback that came crashing down in the semifinal round at the hands of the New York Knicks.

Thus, while the end of their season is one that most fans would rather forget, Philadelphians can at least hang their hats on finally exorcising the Celtic skeleton from their closet. For a brief stretch, the Sixers looked capable of turning decades of frustration into a deep playoff run. And despite another disappointing postseason exit, the team still has a few avenues for future success.

Newcomer guard VJ Edgecombe, for example, became a shining light in a season plagued with questions. Averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, the explosive Baylor product showcased the athleticism and downhill ability that helped him finish third in the Rookie Of The Year race. Quentin Grimes also emerged as a consistent contributor during the regular season, providing Philadelphia with perimeter buckets and defensive versatility during a stretch where they had few guards to turn to.

Paul George, however, became the trending story for the Sixers in the latter half of the year. After returning from a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug Policy, he began delivering flashes of the All-Star production Philadelphia once envisioned when trading for him. When healthy, George and Edgecombe helped the Sixers remain capable of competing with anyone in the Eastern Conference.

Still, despite the emergence of young and veteran talent, the team enters next season with clear areas needing improvement. And, with one draft pick to their name, Philadelphia will need to get creative to finally push past the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

76ers Draft Picks:

• No. 22 (via Houston Rockets, acquired in the Jared McCain trade with Oklahoma City Thunder)

76ers Draft Needs:

After trading away Jared McCain, the Sixers yet again find themselves in trouble with guard depth. After Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia is limited to Grimes and George in terms of reliable backcourt minutes. Justin Edwards and Kyle Lowry fill out the remaining notable spots.

Similarly, the team also still has yet to find a reliable backup for star center Joel Embiid. Though Andre Drummond and Adem Bona showed flashes in limited opportunities, the two still serve best as situational rotational pieces. Thus, with durability concerns mounting for Embiid, Philadelphia’s need for frontcourt help has become increasingly urgent.

Generally, the Sixers have a variety of paths they could choose with their sole pick in this year’s draft. And, with former president of basketball operations Daryl Morey now in the rearview mirror, it will be all the more important for Philadelphia’s newest prospect to be a hit.

76ers Draft Targets:

Allen Graves – Forward – Santa Clara

For a team looking to reload and step right back into playoff contention, Allen Graves is an intriguing potential prospect for the 76ers. Despite not holding a consistent starting role at Santa Clara, Graves still provided his Broncos with a team-best in a few statistical categories. Averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, the forward presents himself as one of the most pro-ready options available for the Sixers.

Graves fits the mold of the modern NBA forward, offering a range of skills that include ball handling, post offense, and playmaking. Furthermore, he can also space the floor, shooting 41.3% from three on close to 100 attempts. With Philadelphia’s outside spacing currently in question, Graves could serve as a fantastic exterior and interior offensive addition.

It would be a disservice to Graves, however, not to mention his defensive presence. Averaging 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, he provides a near-five percent steal and block rate. In simple terms, one out of ten Grimes defensive possessions culminated in him tallying a steal or block. Tack on a 3.7 defensive rebound per game average, and Philadelphia has the potential to gain a new problematic anchor in their non-Embiid minutes.