Philadelphia 76ers Eye Top Prospects in 2025 NBA Draft
The Philadelphia 76ers are set to make a significant move in the 2025 NBA draft, scheduled for Wednesday night, with the coveted No. 3 overall pick. This position offers them the opportunity to select a standout prospect from a talented class.
Among the potential targets, Ace Bailey, a forward from Rutgers, has generated considerable buzz despite canceling his pre-draft visit with the Sixers. Analysts have frequently linked him to Philadelphia, suggesting he could be a game-changer. Some scouts see echoes of Kevin Durant in his play, while others draw comparisons to Michael Porter Jr. and Kyle Kuzma.
At just 18 years old, Bailey possesses a raw skill set that requires refinement. His performance at Rutgers included averages of 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, with shooting percentages of 46% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. However, concerns about his shot selection have been raised by several draft experts.
Another strong candidate is VJ Edgecombe from Baylor, an explosive guard known for his athleticism and ability to create highlight plays. ESPN has indicated that he is a frontrunner for the Sixers' pick. Last season, Edgecombe earned the title of Big 12 Freshman of the Year, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 steals.
Edgecombe's experience with the Bahamian National Team prior to his freshman year showcased his potential on an international stage, where he averaged 16.5 points in four games during the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament. His shooting ability is promising; he connected on 36.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers at Baylor and shot an impressive 78.2% from the free-throw line.
If immediate impact is what the Sixers seek, Duke's Kon Knueppel could be their answer. The 6-foot-7 forward was a key contributor for a top-ranked Duke team, averaging 14.4 points and shooting 40.6% from three-point range last season. Knueppel recently mentioned a virtual meeting with the Sixers on a popular podcast.
Coming from a basketball family, Knueppel's pedigree is evident, but while he can score effectively, his defensive skills may require further development before he can make a significant impact.
Texas guard Tre Johnson stands out as another option, recognized as one of the most prolific scorers in this draft class. At 6-foot-6, Johnson was named SEC Freshman of the Year and made headlines by breaking Kevin Durant's freshman scoring record with a remarkable 39-point game against Arkansas.
Draft analysts project Johnson as an off-ball guard who needs to enhance his defensive engagement to succeed at the next level.
Lastly, Khaman Maluach from Duke presents an intriguing possibility for the Sixers if they opt to trade back in the draft. Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 253 pounds, Maluach could provide valuable depth at center, especially considering Joel Embiid's recent injury history.
Despite being a surprising choice given Embiid's presence, Maluach has shown potential as an elite defender and lob threat on offense. His journey began later than most; he started playing basketball at age 13 after moving from South Sudan to Uganda and subsequently joined the NBA Academy Africa at age 14. In his freshman season at Duke, he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
