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With the 2024-2025 NBA season in the rearview for the Philadelphia 76ers, could the year really get any worse? Unfortunately, yes.
Typically, just one positive comes out of finishing low in the ranks—as a high draft pick can come a team’s way. In the Sixers' case, they have to land a pick within the top six or else the selection goes to the Oklahoma City Thunder, thanks to the 2020 Al Horford trade.
The good news for the Sixers is that they finished fifth in the NBA Draft Lottery standings. The bad news is that an unlucky draw could leave the Sixers in a nightmare scenario. A daily lottery simulation from the popular NBA Draft social media account, Tankathon, gave Philly fans an example on Saturday.
via @tankathon: Official sim for today. Raptors leap to 1. Sixers send their pick to OKC
Official sim for today
— Tankathon.com (@tankathon) May 3, 2025
Raptors leap to 1
Sixers send their pick to OKC pic.twitter.com/UABif73EN0
The Sixers have over a 40 percent chance of actually seeing their pick come within the top four. Although the top pick is unlikely, the Sixers still have a 10 percent chance of winning the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.
While Flagg is likely headed to Washington, Utah, or Charlotte, the Sixers would still be in a position to take one of the most intriguing incoming players. It’s their highest pick of the Daryl Morey era. Morey has been taking a lot of heat lately for his trades and signings since 2020, but the draft has been more hits than misses so far.
On Monday, May 12, the Sixers will hope to avoid the simulated nightmare scenario.
More 76ers on SI
More must-reads:
- Bucks executive opens up on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors
- Insider offers opinion on Lebron James' thoughts on Lakers
- The 'Most NBA games played' quiz
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Charlotte Hornets Reportedly Release 24-Year-Old Guard
Damion Baugh spent his rookie season in the NBA playing for the Charlotte Hornets. The 24-year-old had averages of 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 32.3% from the field in 15 games. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Hornets will now waive Baugh. Via Scotto: "The Charlotte Hornets are waiving two-way player Damion Baugh, league sources told @hoopshype . Charlotte is waiving Baugh to clear a spot for the addition of Antonio Reeves on a two-way contract." ESPN's Shams Charania had first reported that the Hornets were signing Reeves. Via Charania: "The Charlotte Hornets are signing guard Antonio Reeves to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. The 2024 Pelicans second-round pick averaged 6.9 points and 40% 3-point shooting in 44 games as a rookie last season."
Steelers Teammates Are Noticing Great Differences From Aaron Rodgers: 'A Guy That's Bought In'
The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting quarterback situation that has been monitored by NFL fans throughout the 2025 offseason. The organization was in pursuit of four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers for over three months, and the quarterback finally signed a one-year deal. He was then in Pittsburgh for mandatory minicamp. He is the unquestioned starter heading into the 2025 season, and he is coming off of a quietly good season with the New York Jets in 2024 statistically. He was bouncing back from a serious injury, so it should be expected for him to play even better in 2025. Rodgers got better as the 2024 season went along after missing all of 2023, and he is now further removed from his Achilles injury. He has a decent amount of weapons on Pittsburgh's offense, and the team is expected to rely on its run game and defense once again. Rodgers won't be asked to do too much, which should be a recipe for success for the 41-year old quarterback. Will Howard spoke to the media in Latrobe, PA on Thursday morning, and he had nothing but great things to say about the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh. The 41-year old has been heavily criticized in the media in the past for being a bad teammate, but every report that has come out of Pittsburgh has suggested otherwise. Rodgers has already expressed his willingness to mentor Howard and show him the ropes as he goes through his rookie season, which is something that has gotten a lot of the fan base in Pittsburgh excited about the addition of Rodgers. Rodgers has always been misunderstood throughout his career. He has been blamed for countless things that simply weren't his fault. It seemed that everything that went wrong with the Jets was somehow because of the quarterback, despite the fact that the Jets organization has been one of the worst in all of sports over the last decade or so. The fan base in Pittsburgh was frustrated with the way Rodgers handled his free agency, as he seemed to drag out his signing with Pittsburgh. The quarterback said he was dealing with some things in his personal life that made him want to take his time, which some fans took issue with. After these new comments from Howard, the fans should completely flip in their opinions on Rodgers. He is approaching this job with the Steelers in a positive manner, he is bought in, and he is helping the younger guys on the roster. Steelers’ Offense Has A Chance To Be The Best Its Been With Aaron Rodgers The offense in Pittsburgh has been inconsistent, and sometimes absolutely stagnant in recent years. The run game has fallen apart at times, and the quarterback play has been abysmal on occasion. That shouldn't be the case in 2025, as Rodgers' experience and talent should be able to take the unit to the next level, especially if the offensive line can take a step forward. This will open up the run game, which will only help the offense as a whole. Rodgers will have an absolute animal to throw to on the outside in DK Metcalf, as well as some speedsters in Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. Pittsburgh also rosters one of the best tight end rooms in the league with Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. Rodgers will be able to end his career on a high note with these weapons, and the near-decade long draught of playoff success could come to a close.
Packers Could Replace Jaire Alexander With Player You Wouldn’t Believe
The Green Bay Packers released star cornerback Jaire Alexander earlier this offseason, which frustrated the fan base because they did so without an obvious solution. Packers fans have been clamoring for the team to sign veteran and former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, but Green Bay does not appear all that interested in doing so. But you know who could represent a possible replacement for Alexander? Wide receiver Bo Melton. Yes, you read that right: wide receiver Bo Melton. Melton has started Packers training camp as a cornerback, which could ultimately lead to the 26-year-old assuming a major role in Green Bay’s secondary. Why the position switch? Well, Melton was struggling finding playing time in the Packers’ receiving corps as it was. Now, Green Bay added Matthew Golden and Savon Williams into the equation, so the chances of him actually getting on the field as a receiver in 2025 are slim to none. Melton logged just eight catches for 91 yards last season, and in 2024, he finished with 16 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown. The funny thing is, he actually has shown promise in very limited action, but there is simply no room for him. The Rutgers product seems to want to stay in Green Bay, hence his decision to flip to the other side of the ball. He knows he has no chance to play as a wide out. Why not utilize his athleticism as a cornerback? Of course, this does not necessarily mean that Melton will serve as Alexander’s primary replacement. In fact, it would be pretty concerning if the Packers choose not to bring in another corner between now and the start of the regular season. But hey, maybe Melton will be so impressive in camp that Green Bay will actually give him a look.
Mariners may have a backup plan for third base in mind
The Seattle Mariners reportedly regard Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez as their top trade target. However, the Mariners may have a backup plan in mind. According to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post, the Mariners are among several teams interested in Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon. Although McMahon does not have the type of firepower offensively that Suarez possesses, he has been a solid hitter in his own right. He has shaken off a dreadful start to the season to post a .246/.332/.472 batting line in 280 plate appearances since May 1, hitting 14 homers and 12 doubles. McMahon does have his advantages. He is one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, having saved 17 runs at the hot corner since the start of the 2024 season. Suarez, meanwhile, has cost the Diamondbacks four runs defensively in the same timeframe. While Suarez would be a rental option as he is scheduled for free agency once the season concludes, McMahon is signed through 2027 on a reasonably affordable contract. He is due $16M in 2026 and 2027 over the final two years of the six-year, $70M extension he signed ahead of the 2022 season. The Mariners are also reportedly willing to increase their payroll, making a potential deal easier. The big question is whether or not the Rockies will actually unload players at the deadline. The Rockies are reportedly willing to trade McMahon, although past deadlines make that assertion somewhat dubious. Should Suarez be traded ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, the Rockies may find themselves with the top fallback option at third base.
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