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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.
Up next in this series is St. John's big man Zuby Ejiofor:
Ejiofor brings a rough and tough edge to the floor whenever he steps onto the court. The big man is listed at 6-foot-9 and 245 pounds along with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, which makes him a defensive menace in the paint. He averaged 2.1 blocks per game in 2025-26 and his athleticism allows him to be able to switch onto guards in pick-and-roll situations on the perimeter. Combine his physical tools with his high motor and high basketball IQ and Ejiofor is somebody who can really make a difference on the defensive end and bring a real jolt to a team on the floor with his play.
He is also a big-time rebounder. Ejiofor averaged 2.7 offensive rebounds across his collegiate career including averaging 4.4 offensive rebounds in 2024-25 and 3.3 in 2025-26. He is someone who can keep possessions alive and help get the ball to his team's scorers as he is an underrated playmaker. He is more than capable of handling the ball and being something of an offensive hub, which is hugely important in today's NBA for a big man. Especially, for somebody who isn't much of a shooter.
Speaking of that jumper, Ejiofor's working on it, but it isn't quite there just yet. He is athletic enough to just drive by defenders and get to the basket, but he also isn't able to convert on many looks when he is stopped and has to settle for a jumper. He shot 53.6% from the floor in 2025-26, which is solid, but could be better when considering his athletic capabilities. He only shot 30.5% from deep, but as he continues to progress, he should be able to develop more of a consistent jumper and become an overall offensive force when considering his playmaking.
One of the bigger needs the Sixers need to address in the offseason is the bench unit--specifically, who backs up Joel Embiid. That is where someone like Ejiofor comes in and can produce at a high level when called upon. He is a 4-year collegian and will come in with a mature mindset and be able to help right away. His age, 22, may limit some of his upside a bit for the future, but for a team trying to win right now with its core pieces in place, that might not matter to the Sixers.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 2026 NBA draft profiles: Philadelphia 76ers prospect Zuby Ejiofor
Continue reading...
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.
Up next in this series is St. John's big man Zuby Ejiofor:
Strengths
Ejiofor brings a rough and tough edge to the floor whenever he steps onto the court. The big man is listed at 6-foot-9 and 245 pounds along with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, which makes him a defensive menace in the paint. He averaged 2.1 blocks per game in 2025-26 and his athleticism allows him to be able to switch onto guards in pick-and-roll situations on the perimeter. Combine his physical tools with his high motor and high basketball IQ and Ejiofor is somebody who can really make a difference on the defensive end and bring a real jolt to a team on the floor with his play.
He is also a big-time rebounder. Ejiofor averaged 2.7 offensive rebounds across his collegiate career including averaging 4.4 offensive rebounds in 2024-25 and 3.3 in 2025-26. He is someone who can keep possessions alive and help get the ball to his team's scorers as he is an underrated playmaker. He is more than capable of handling the ball and being something of an offensive hub, which is hugely important in today's NBA for a big man. Especially, for somebody who isn't much of a shooter.
Weaknesses
Speaking of that jumper, Ejiofor's working on it, but it isn't quite there just yet. He is athletic enough to just drive by defenders and get to the basket, but he also isn't able to convert on many looks when he is stopped and has to settle for a jumper. He shot 53.6% from the floor in 2025-26, which is solid, but could be better when considering his athletic capabilities. He only shot 30.5% from deep, but as he continues to progress, he should be able to develop more of a consistent jumper and become an overall offensive force when considering his playmaking.
Potential fit on the Sixers
One of the bigger needs the Sixers need to address in the offseason is the bench unit--specifically, who backs up Joel Embiid. That is where someone like Ejiofor comes in and can produce at a high level when called upon. He is a 4-year collegian and will come in with a mature mindset and be able to help right away. His age, 22, may limit some of his upside a bit for the future, but for a team trying to win right now with its core pieces in place, that might not matter to the Sixers.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 2026 NBA draft profiles: Philadelphia 76ers prospect Zuby Ejiofor
Continue reading...
