Philadelphia 76ers eye Ace Bailey with No. 3 pick in June 2025 NBA Draft after injury-plagued 2024-25 season for Embiid, George, Maxey. Can he revive Philly?
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
Thursday brought a fresh wave of news for Sixers fans, and the headline grabber is undoubtedly the buzz around the NBA Draft. After a brutal 24-58 season that landed them the No. 3 overall pick, reports are swirling that Philadelphia has its sights set on dynamic prospect Ace Bailey. This could be the injection of young talent the team desperately needs, but it's just one piece of a complex offseason puzzle.
The pick represents a crucial opportunity for Philadelphia to add young talent after a season derailed by injuries to stars Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey.
The NBA Draft, scheduled for June 25-26, can't come soon enough for a Sixers team looking to rebound from a disastrous 13th place finish in the Eastern Conference. Securing the third selection, behind Dallas and San Antonio, offers a prime chance to add a difference-maker. Ace Bailey, a highly touted prospect, is reportedly high on the Sixers' draft board. This potential selection comes after a season where the injury bug bit hard: Joel Embiid played only 19 games, Paul George managed 41, and Tyrese Maxey was limited to 52. Adding a healthy, high-upside talent like Bailey could be a significant step in the right direction.
While the prospect of drafting Bailey is exciting, ESPN's Seth Greenberg threw some cold water on unchecked optimism, raising valid concerns about the team's core. Greenberg questioned the long-term viability of relying on both Joel Embiid and Paul George, given their extensive injury histories. He even suggested the Sixers might need to consider moving one of their stars to build a deeper, more reliable roster. This is a tough pill to swallow, but it's a conversation that needs to be had. Can the Sixers truly contend if their two main pillars are consistently sidelined? Greenberg's comments force the front office, and the fans, to confront this uncomfortable reality as they approach the draft.
Beyond the draft, immediate roster decisions are pressing. The June 29 deadline for player options is fast approaching, with Kelly Oubre Jr. ($8.4 million) and Andre Drummond ($5 million) facing crucial choices. Previous reports suggested the team expects all veterans with player options to return. Oubre has been a productive scorer, averaging 15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds over the past two seasons, though his three-point shooting (29.3% last season) remains a concern. Drummond provides valuable backup center minutes. Their decisions will significantly impact the team's flexibility and depth heading into free agency.
The next few weeks are monumental for the Sixers. Between the NBA Draft on June 25-26 and the June 29 player option deadline, the foundation for next season – and potentially beyond – is being laid right now. Will it be a masterstroke or more of the same? Stay tuned, Sixers fans, it's going to be a fascinating ride.
