The Philadelphia 76ers have two picks in the 2025 NBA draft at No. 3 in Round 1 and No. 35 in Round 2. Of course, the biggest pick is that selection at No. 3, but the Sixers can make a selection at 35 and still find a good player.
There have been gems in the second-round that have been helpful as the Sixers have been able to find players such as Paul Reed, Adem Bona, Shake Milton, and others, for example, who have been able to show what they can do as second-round picks.
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Now is he time for a ranking of the best options who are likely to be available at No. 35 overall for the Sixers. This is the second ranking of the No. 35 options:
1. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
Mar 22, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) shoots the ball against Auburn Tigers center Dylan Cardwell (44) during the first half in the second round to the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.7 bpg, 65.3% FG, 34.4% 3FG
Previous ranking: 3
A 5-year player in college, Kalkbrenner stands at 7-feet tall so if the Sixers are thinking size, then he’s their man. He is skilled around the basket, can step out and knock down a shot–which helps when he can just shoot over anybody–and has some good passing skills. There is a chance he sneaks into the first round as a late pick, but there is also a good chance he is there at No. 35 for Philadelphia.
2. Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
Mar 30, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier (2) reacts against the Houston Cougars in the second half during the Midwest Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
2024-25 stats: 18.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.9 spg, 43.1% FG, 39.5% 3FG
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Previous ranking: 1
After four seasons at North Florida, Lanier transferred to Tennessee for a fifth season of college and shot the lights out. He took 8.2 triples per game and knocked then down at a nearly 40% clip in the toughest conference in college basketball. His age will turn a lot of teams off. He will turn 24 in December, but he might be worth a look as a specialist with a second-round pick.
3. Cedric Coward, Washington State
Nov 21, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars guard Cedric Coward (0) dunks the ball against the Eastern Washington Eagles in the second half at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Washington State Cougars won 96-81. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.7 bpg, 55.7% FG, 40% 3FG
Previous ranking: 2
After two seasons at Eastern Washington, Coward transferred over to Washington State and gave some good production in six games with the Cougars before a shoulder injury ended his season. He’s a high IQ player who can move well without the basketball and knock down shots coming off pindowns and off movement while also being able to put the ball on the floor and create for others as well. He is also an underrated defender and the Sixers could always use another 3-and-D option.
4. Drake Powell, North Carolina
Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Drake Powell (9) drives against Mississippi Rebels guard Dre Davis (14) during the second half of a first round NCAA men’s tournament game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.7 bpg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3FG
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Previous ranking: 4
A bouncy athlete who can defend multiple positions, Powell can take on the opposition’s best scorer on the perimeter and make life tough for him which should be an attractive attribute for a Sixers team that will need to slow down some elite perimeter offensive players in the Eastern Conference. He has a smooth shooting stroke and should be able to step in right away and produce at the NBA level.
5. Johni Broome, Auburn
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) holds the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
2024-25 stats: 18.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 bpg, 51% FG, 27.8% 3FG
Previous ranking: Not ranked
The 2025 SEC Player of the Year, Broome will turn a lot of teams off with his age–he’ll turn 23 in July. That limits his upside at the next level, but he is a bruiser who has a soft touch around the basket while being a ferocious rebounder. He’s also an underrated passer and somebody who can protect the rim as well. If Philadelphia is looking to add more depth at the big man spot, Broome does make sense. It will be interesting to see how he projects at the next level when considering he is 6-foot-10 and not much of a shooter.
6. Labaron Philon, Alabama
Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon (0) celebrates after making a three point basket during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
2024-25 stats: 10.6 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 1.4 spg, 45.2% FG, 31.5% 3FG
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Previous ranking: 5
Philon is a pure playmaker. His freshman season with the Crimson Tide highlighted his ability to be unselfish and make the right plays with his passing ability and he also showed off an ability to drive and put the ball on the floor when the time called for it. He is going to be a solid and productive player at the next level whenever his name is called and if it’s the Sixers, they’d be getting an NBA ready ball-handler.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Ranking the best options at No. 35 for the Philadelphia 76ers 2.0