The Philadelphia 76ers will have plenty of options to turn to as they head into the 2025 NBA draft. Holding the No. 3 pick, the Sixers can turn to a number of different directions to help themselves bounce back from a miserable 2024-25 season that was marred by injuries.
With that selection, the Sixers can trade the pick, or they can grab one of the best players in this draft. There are a lot of options such as Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, or one of the other supremely talented players in this draft.
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A mock draft performed by Bleacher Report has the Sixers selecting Rutgers star Bailey with that No. 3 overall pick:
While some observers were disappointed by Ace Bailey’s 6’7.5″ barefoot measurement, he still brings valuable size and length for a scoring wing, including a 7’0.5″ wingspan that gives him a clear physical edge.
The Sixers may also take a hard look at VJ Edgecombe, who offers a burst of athleticism and defensive quickness that differs from Bailey’s game. However, with Paul George just turning 35 after a down year and questions surrounding Joel Embiid’s durability and long-term value, Bailey’s shot-making upside could prove more appealing to Philadelphia’s front office.
Bailey is a talented player who does bring his own question marks to the league. He did averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds as a freshman with the Scarlet Knights, but his shot selection has been criticized and he does have to improve as a playmaker. He averaged only 1.3 assists, but his work ethic suggests he will improve on every question mark that faces him as he moves forward in the league.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 2025 NBA mock draft: 76ers take Ace Bailey with the No. 3 overall pick