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.
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.