The Philadelphia 76ers had an unceremonious exit from the 2026 NBA playoffs during the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they got swept by the New York Knicks.
While the 76s have plenty to be proud of this season, they also have a lot of work ahead. That’s where the NBA draft comes in. It’s a great way to bring new talent into the fold to take this franchise to the next level.
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In a mock draft released on Wednesday, May 20, Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports names his picks after the Combine. “Beyond the measurements and testing, the conversations behind the scenes provide an illuminating look at where some of the top NBA Draft prospects are trending,” he states in the piece.
For the 76ers, he links them to power forward Koa Peat of Arizona.
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Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrates after scoring against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half of the NCAAB game at McKale Center on January 14, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Sun Devils 89-82. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“The Sixers are going to play with a ton of pace when Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are on the floor together,” he states. “That meshes almost flawlessly with what Peat needs to thrive.”
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He adds: “The much-maligned Arizona product can impact winning as a connector who can make reads in the open floor. Peat running stride-for-stride with burners like Edgecombe and Maxey is a scary proposition and eases the runway into the league.”
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My Analysis: Koa Peat of Arizona to the 76ers
Peat still has work to do offensively, especially in half-court situations where he can’t just overpower defenders. But if he lands next to someone like Joel Embiid, his ability to move without the ball and finish plays around the rim could fit in nicely while he keeps developing his jump shot.
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That kind of young, energetic frontcourt partner would take some pressure off of Embiid, so he doesn’t have to do everything on offense. He’d be used more as a finisher around the rim instead of having to create shots against set defenses. In that role, his game looks more natural and much easier to see working in the NBA.
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