With the 2026 NBA draft fast approaching, the first round is on June 23, now’s the time to look at some potential options for the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 22 pick. If one wants to look at Sixers Wire’s draft big board, one can do so here.
This series will focus on specific players. The Sixers have a first-round pick thanks to the Jared McCain trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder via the Houston Rockets. After a trip to Round 2 of the playoffs, the Sixers have an opportunity to add to the roster and get themselves another talented young piece around Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe for the future.
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Up next in this series is Arkansas forward Meleek Thomas:
Strengths
There is so much to like about Thomas as a young prospect. He has a ton of athleticism, great offensive instincts, understands how to move without the basketball, and has a tight handle to take defenders off the dribble and set up opportunities at the basket. He shot 43.5% from the floor overall, which isn’t a great number, but he shot 41.6% from deep on 5.3 attempts in the 2025-26 season. Thomas, standing at 6-foot-5, can rise up over defenders on the perimeter and he has such a smooth stroke that he makes it look effortless.
Another big aspect to Thomas is his high motor. In order to make it in the NBA, one has to have a ton of competitive spirit and bring it on a nightly basis. The Sixers need players like that off their bench to give them a spark as well as an offensive threat. He’s also a solid defender as he competes on that end of the floor and never gives in.
Weaknesses
Shot selection can be an issue at times due to his tendency to rely so much on that 3-point shot. He’s an elite shooter, but it leads to some wild shots at times. He will also need to add some more weight as he has a bit of smaller frame at 189 pounds. He will be pushed around a bit by the stronger and bigger guards in the NBA in the early going, but once he figures it out and adds to his body, then he will become a regular rotation player.
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Potential fit on the Sixers
Thomas has experience playing next to a high-volume scorer like Maxey as he played with lottery pick Darius Acuff Jr. at Arkansas. The Sixers could always use another player who can hop off their bench with a scorer’s mindset and an ability to make an impact right away. Thomas can throw in a couple of triples right away and give Philadelphia a spark while also being a competitor on the defensive end. If the Sixers go this route at No. 22, he gives an upgrade to the bench unit from the wing spot.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 2026 NBA draft profiles: Philadelphia 76ers prospect Meleek Thomas