The Philadelphia 76ers have a chance to fortify their win-now roster with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They are broadly anticipated to select Rutgers forward Ace Bailey to address their need for perimeter versatility. However, The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann foresees them opting for a ‘bona fide bucket getter’ at the two spot.
Philadelphia is coming off an injury-plagued 24-58 campaign in which its star trio of Joel Embiid (knee), Paul George (groin) and Tyrese Maxey (finger) was shut down. After its late-season tanking efforts resulted in it jumping two spots to No. 3 during last month’s draft lottery, the franchise boosted its retooling prospects.
The 76ers have been involved in numerous trade rumors that feature them shipping out their pick for an instant-impact player. If they hold onto it, they could be intrigued by one freshman’s elite scoring profile.
Why Tre Johnson Is Gaining Momentum As the 76ers’ Projected Pick at No. 3
Earlier this month, a report emerged that Texas shooting guard Tre Johnson and Duke center Khaman Maluach were “gaining traction” as potential draft options for Philadelphia. In The Ringer’s latest mock draft, Mann gave Johnson, who is characterized as a lethal 6-foot-6 shot creator and clutch shot-maker, the edge at No. 3.
According to Mann, the 76ers gambling on a high-upside offensive talent like Johnson would make sense if they can’t find the right trade package.
“The Sixers are one of the tougher teams to read in this draft. They could move the pick for an established veteran, but the list of potential suitors is slim considering their specific need (perimeter size and switchability) and how much their roster is going to cost soon,” Mann wrote. “Use this special opportunity to take a swing at a special talent. Which is why I think Johnson could be the move here.”
A Tre Johnson and Tyrese Maxey backcourt in Philly? An Ace Bailey and Brandon Miller forward tandem in Charlotte?
We’re back with an updated mock draft and big board in our draft guide: https://t.co/QFOGQre4lc pic.twitter.com/CHE6xPnnY2
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The analyst noted that Johnson has earned widespread praise during the pre-draft process, quelling worries about his ball dominance and poor shot selection.
“The chatter on Tre coming out of the draft combine was very positive, softening some of the concerns about needing the ball in his hands and questionable decision-making,” Mann wrote.
Hard to find a more impressive prospect in a workout setting than Tre Johnson. 6’6, with ridiculous shot-making prowess and machine like consistency, Johnson looked awfully impressive in Santa Barbara. pic.twitter.com/fExPGe4b1M
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 1, 2025
Mann, who dubbed Johnson a “bona fide bucket getter whose scoring may be best utilized in doses,” added that the 19-year-old’s shooting prowess could benefit Philadelphia short-term and long-term.
“The bottom line is that his scoring talent is immense, and his shooting should slot into whatever timeline [Daryl] Morey and Co. have in mind,” Mann wrote.
Across 33 outings at Texas, Johnson averaged 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.7 3-pointers per game on 42.7/39.7/87.1 shooting splits.
However, PFSN’s latest mock draft has the 76ers playing it safe by picking Bailey at No. 3, with Johnson sliding to the Washington Wizards at No. 6.
Johnson’s NBA Comparisons and Fit With 76ers
Johnson’s advanced scoring repertoire, combined with his room for improvement as a defender, has garnered him NBA comparisons to several offense-first players.
Mann likened him to former shooting guards O.J. Mayo, Michael Redd, Terrence Ross and Allan Houston, suggesting he will max out as a complementary scorer on a playoff team. Miami Heat shooting guard Tyler Herro, who just came off his first All-Star season, is also a popular comparison.
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Such a player archetype should seamlessly fit in with a postseason hopeful like Philadelphia, with Johnson providing shooting and supplementary scoring alongside the team’s Big 3.