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The fanfare is over, now it's time to get to work.
Mike Gansey, the newly hired 76ers president of basketball operation, will have his work cut out for him trying to figure out a way to thread the needle by fielding a competitive team while looking toward the future.
While veteran stars Joel Embiid and Paul George looked up to the task during the Sixers' miraculous first-round comeback against the Boston Celtics, it was evident the team was lacking depth during a disastrous second-round sweep at the hands of the eventual-NBA champion New York Knicks.
Along with the likelihood of numerous missed games between Embiid and Paul, the pair's salaries of $50 million plus prevent the Sixers from spending to solidify a lineup anchored by young guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
That's where the draft comes in.
With salary-cap limits and a roster full of needs, Gansey will need to hit on his first pick to help to Sixers now and in the future.
Here's a look at who Gansey and the Sixers might select:
The 76ers hold the 22nd overall pick in the draft which the team acquired when it dealt guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in February.
In the deal, the Sixers also acquired three future second-round picks for McCain — the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
The Thunder own the No. 17 overall pick which was acquired from Philadelphia in a salary dump that sent center Al Horford to OKC in 2020.
Unlike last year, the Sixers don't have a pick inside the lottery but will have a chance to select a quality player in what experts deem as a deep draft class.
Here's who might be available when the Sixers pick at No. 22:
One of the most under-the-radar prospects in college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who came close to becoming a March Madness hero. The WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year turned heads after posting 30 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State. His scrappiness and high motor is an area where Graves stands out among the best in this class and is likely one of the reasons he chose to turn pro rather than return to college. The only players under 21 with a higher box plus-minus, per Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. All teams that prioritize analytical modeling in the pre-draft process will have Graves ranked highly.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
The Philadelphia 76ers have a new front office led by president of basketball operations Mike Gansey and vice president of basketball operations Jameer Nelson. One name they may have their eyes on with the first-round pick they acquired after trading Jared McCain is Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson. The All-Big 12 standout was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who got hurt during March Madness and otherwise could have come into the pre-draft process with even more hype and momentum due to his unique skill set.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Cenac played into his role and caught fire at the perfect time. In his first NCAA tournament game, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. He followed that up in the Round of 32 by showcasing more scoring touch, finishing cuts to the basket for 17 points against Texas A&M. Cenac was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still pulled down 10 rebounds. 'I got to earn my minutes. I got to do the little things… Defending, rebounding, spacing the floor,” Cenac told USA TODAY Sports. "Whatever team takes me… they're getting a winning player that loves winning and is going to buy into whatever to help that team win." Cenac also impressed at the NBA Combine, posting a 37-inch max vertical and strong agility numbers for his size. P3 places Cenac within its 'bigs plus” model, a rare archetype combining traditional size with wing-like mobility. Evaluators pointed to his 'unique tools” and described him as a potential 'matchup nightmare” due to his movement profile and physical traits, which suggest his significant untapped upside.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Arizona forward Koa Peat is naturally bouncy and athletic with good positional size, a strong frame and a near 7-foot wingspan. Peat is also a solid rebounder and passer for his position. The All-Big 12 forward will need to improve his jumper to carve out consistent, high-impact minutes at the next level, but he's still worth first-round consideration based on his body of work so far. Peat arguably had the most interesting decisions to make when it was finally his turn to announce if he would stay in college or turn pro.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. Evaluators are "consistently expressing concern around his medicals" about the big man, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, though, and he showed elite flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that may need frontcourt help. During his freshman year when he was just 17 years old, per CBB Analytics, he led all D-I players in blocks per 40 minutes (0.7) on 3-pointers, regularly swatting shots on the perimeter. While his draft stock is not what it once was due to health concerns, his youth and frame give him an opportunity to become a special player in the NBA.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and helping lead the Longhorns to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain emerged as one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed across the board on both ends, scoring efficiently in the paint and in transition. Another appealing element is his effectiveness in isolation, where he can create for himself against defenders. Swain is quick, bouncy and a solid rebounder, and his 81.5% free-throw percentage suggests promising shooting touch. While he has three years of college experience, he's still just 20 years old, the same age as several NCAA freshmen. P3 categorizes Swain as a 'kinematic mover,” a fluid, efficiency-driven archetype that allows players to 'get wherever they want on the court” and has produced the highest density of NBA All-Stars in its data.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game this season, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Evans scored 218 points when shooting off the catch, per Synergy, which ranked third-best among ACC players last season. He also matched 30 corner 3-pointers, according to CBB Analytics, which trailed the top-ranked high-major player (34) by just four field goals made.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
First Round: Tuesday, June 23
Second Round: Wednesday, June 24
The 2026 NBA Draft will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Sixers draft picks 2026. Who will 76ers pick during NBA Draft 2026?
Continue reading...
Mike Gansey, the newly hired 76ers president of basketball operation, will have his work cut out for him trying to figure out a way to thread the needle by fielding a competitive team while looking toward the future.
While veteran stars Joel Embiid and Paul George looked up to the task during the Sixers' miraculous first-round comeback against the Boston Celtics, it was evident the team was lacking depth during a disastrous second-round sweep at the hands of the eventual-NBA champion New York Knicks.
Along with the likelihood of numerous missed games between Embiid and Paul, the pair's salaries of $50 million plus prevent the Sixers from spending to solidify a lineup anchored by young guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
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That's where the draft comes in.
With salary-cap limits and a roster full of needs, Gansey will need to hit on his first pick to help to Sixers now and in the future.
Here's a look at who Gansey and the Sixers might select:
What pick did the Sixers have?
The 76ers hold the 22nd overall pick in the draft which the team acquired when it dealt guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in February.
In the deal, the Sixers also acquired three future second-round picks for McCain — the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
The Thunder own the No. 17 overall pick which was acquired from Philadelphia in a salary dump that sent center Al Horford to OKC in 2020.
Sixers draft picks 2026. Who will 76ers draft?
Unlike last year, the Sixers don't have a pick inside the lottery but will have a chance to select a quality player in what experts deem as a deep draft class.
Here's who might be available when the Sixers pick at No. 22:
Allen Graves, Santa Clara
- Freshman, forward, 6-9, 225, 19
- 2025-26 stats: 11.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.9 BGP, 51.2% FG, 41.3% 3PT, 75% FT
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One of the most under-the-radar prospects in college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who came close to becoming a March Madness hero. The WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year turned heads after posting 30 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State. His scrappiness and high motor is an area where Graves stands out among the best in this class and is likely one of the reasons he chose to turn pro rather than return to college. The only players under 21 with a higher box plus-minus, per Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. All teams that prioritize analytical modeling in the pre-draft process will have Graves ranked highly.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
- Freshman, forward, 6-9, 240, 22
- 2025-26 stats: 16.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 BGP, 47.1% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 70% FT
You must be registered for see images
The Philadelphia 76ers have a new front office led by president of basketball operations Mike Gansey and vice president of basketball operations Jameer Nelson. One name they may have their eyes on with the first-round pick they acquired after trading Jared McCain is Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson. The All-Big 12 standout was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who got hurt during March Madness and otherwise could have come into the pre-draft process with even more hype and momentum due to his unique skill set.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
- Freshman, forward, 6-11, 240, 19
- 2025-26 stats: 9.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BGP, 48.5% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 62.1% FT
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Cenac played into his role and caught fire at the perfect time. In his first NCAA tournament game, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. He followed that up in the Round of 32 by showcasing more scoring touch, finishing cuts to the basket for 17 points against Texas A&M. Cenac was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still pulled down 10 rebounds. 'I got to earn my minutes. I got to do the little things… Defending, rebounding, spacing the floor,” Cenac told USA TODAY Sports. "Whatever team takes me… they're getting a winning player that loves winning and is going to buy into whatever to help that team win." Cenac also impressed at the NBA Combine, posting a 37-inch max vertical and strong agility numbers for his size. P3 places Cenac within its 'bigs plus” model, a rare archetype combining traditional size with wing-like mobility. Evaluators pointed to his 'unique tools” and described him as a potential 'matchup nightmare” due to his movement profile and physical traits, which suggest his significant untapped upside.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Koa Peat, Arizona
- Freshman, forward, 6-8, 235, 19
- 2025-26 stats: 14.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.7 BGP, 52.8% FG, 35% 3PT, 62.3% FT
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Arizona forward Koa Peat is naturally bouncy and athletic with good positional size, a strong frame and a near 7-foot wingspan. Peat is also a solid rebounder and passer for his position. The All-Big 12 forward will need to improve his jumper to carve out consistent, high-impact minutes at the next level, but he's still worth first-round consideration based on his body of work so far. Peat arguably had the most interesting decisions to make when it was finally his turn to announce if he would stay in college or turn pro.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
- Sophomore, forward, 6-10, 255, 18
- 2025-26 stats: 5 PPG, 5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.8 BGP, 57.1% FG, 0% 3PT, 30.8% FT
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Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. Evaluators are "consistently expressing concern around his medicals" about the big man, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, though, and he showed elite flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that may need frontcourt help. During his freshman year when he was just 17 years old, per CBB Analytics, he led all D-I players in blocks per 40 minutes (0.7) on 3-pointers, regularly swatting shots on the perimeter. While his draft stock is not what it once was due to health concerns, his youth and frame give him an opportunity to become a special player in the NBA.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Dailyn Swain, Texas
- Junior, guard, 6-8, 220, 20
- 2025-26 stats: 17.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BGP, 54.2% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 81.5% FT
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After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and helping lead the Longhorns to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain emerged as one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed across the board on both ends, scoring efficiently in the paint and in transition. Another appealing element is his effectiveness in isolation, where he can create for himself against defenders. Swain is quick, bouncy and a solid rebounder, and his 81.5% free-throw percentage suggests promising shooting touch. While he has three years of college experience, he's still just 20 years old, the same age as several NCAA freshmen. P3 categorizes Swain as a 'kinematic mover,” a fluid, efficiency-driven archetype that allows players to 'get wherever they want on the court” and has produced the highest density of NBA All-Stars in its data.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
- Sophomore, guard, 6-4, 175, 20
- 2025-26 stats: 22 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BGP, 50% FG, 39.9% 3PT, 79.8% FT
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Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game this season, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
Isaiah Evans, Duke
- Sophomore, guard, 6-6, 186, 20
- 2025-26 stats: 15PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BGP, 43.3% FG, 36.1% 3PT, 86% FT
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Evans scored 218 points when shooting off the catch, per Synergy, which ranked third-best among ACC players last season. He also matched 30 corner 3-pointers, according to CBB Analytics, which trailed the top-ranked high-major player (34) by just four field goals made.
— Bryan Kalbrosky
When is the 2025 NBA Draft?
First Round: Tuesday, June 23
Second Round: Wednesday, June 24
Where is the NBA Draft?
The 2026 NBA Draft will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
When does the NBA draft start?
First round
Second round
2026 NBA Draft order
Round 1
- Washington Wizards
- Utah Jazz
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Chicago Bulls
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Brooklyn Nets
- Sacramento Kings
- Atlanta Hawks
- Dallas Mavericks
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Golden State Warriors
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Miami Heat
- Charlotte Hornets
- Chicago Bulls
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Charlotte Hornets
- Toronto Raptors
- San Antonio Spurs
- Detroit Pistons
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Atlanta Hawks
- New York Knicks
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Denver Nuggets
- Boston Celtics
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Dallas Mavericks
Round 2
- (31) New York Knicks
- (32) Memphis Grizzlies
- (33) Brooklyn Nets
- (34) Sacramento Kings
- (35) San Antonio Spurs
- (36) LA Clippers
- (37) Oklahoma City Thunder
- (38) Chicago Bulls
- (39) Houston Rockets
- (40) Boston Celtics
- (41) Miami Heat
- (42) San Antonio Spurs
- (43) Brooklyn Nets
- (44) San Antonio Spurs
- (45) Sacramento Kings
- (46) Orlando Magic
- (47) Phoenix Suns
- (48) Dallas Mavericks
- (49) Denver Nuggets
- (50) Toronto Raptors
- (51) Washington Wizards
- (52) LA Clippers
- (53) Houston Rockets
- (54) Golden State Warriors
- (55) New York Knicks
- (56) Chicago Bulls
- (57) Atlanta Hawks
- (58) New Orleans Pelicans
- (59) Minnesota Timberwolves
- (60) Washington Wizards
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Sixers draft picks 2026. Who will 76ers pick during NBA Draft 2026?
Continue reading...
