Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers have to be ecstatic with the results of the NBA Draft Lottery. While many people were expecting the 76ers to be within the top seven, they managed to land at No. 3, ensuring that they will draft one of the top prospects.
While Cooper Flagg is most likely off the table, there’s always a chance that the 76ers can secure either Ace Bailey or Dylan Harper. Flagg, Harper, and Bailey are the projected top three of the draft, with Flagg being the only solid projection at No. 1.
While the 76ers may have a specific target in mind, they are keeping things close to the vest in terms of where they might be leaning. However, there seem to be two obvious options for them to consider when evaluating pick No. 3.
Daryl Morey Gets Honest About 76ers’ 2025 Draft Plans
For the 76ers, it should be all about finding the right player to fit on their team. The aforementioned Bailey and Harper both represent two different styles, but each player would greatly benefit Philadelphia if the team selects them.
Bailey, who will likely enter the NBA as a small forward, would be a good addition to the Sixers, especially if they are looking for more size at the 3. Bailey, who is 6’10”, would be able to have a slight height advantage over some of the other wings in the league.
Harper, who is a guard, would likely be a tough sell for the Sixers, especially since they have both Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey. Still, Daryl Morey seemed to imply that he would select best player available when it’s Philadelphia’s turn on the clock.
When asked if the Sixers would choose BPA or filling a need that the 76ers have, Morey was direct.
“Yeah, we won’t take that into account. If the best player is a guard, we’ll take a guard there.”
This means that if Harper is available at No. 3, Morey might select him anyway. Still, there are many potential options for the Sixers to take a look at for their selection. Can their pick help change Philadelphia’s fortunes?
Can the 76ers Compete Next Season?
After an injury-riddled season, the 76ers find themselves back where they were before: trying to trust the process. If McCain, Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid are all healthy, the Sixers will be a force in the regular season again.
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If Philadelphia does select Bailey or Harper at No. 3, it would give them a versatile lineup with a defensive mind. There’s no telling what route the 76ers will go as the draft continues to inch closer, but one thing is for sure — they’ll do their best to avoid a repeat of last season.
