A Lucky Pick?
After one of the more disappointing seasons in recent 76ers history (where there have been many candidates over the years) the Sixers are now looking for a big victory in the NBA draft lottery.
The lottery will take place on May 12 in Chicago and the Sixers are looking to keep their top-six protected pick that is currently owned by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Sixers traded that first round pick in December of 2020 to OKC in order to take on Al Horford’s contract after one disappointing season with the Sixers. Horford, has of course, been a key cog for the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.
Now the Sixers are at least hoping to keep this year’s pick.
The Sixers (24-58) had the fifth worst record in the NBA this season. They were accused of tanking once Embiid was lost for the season, as keeping that first round pick became a big priority.
The Sixers have a 64 percent chance to keep their own pick. If it falls lower than No. 6, then the Thunder will get the pick.
In addition, the Sixers have a 10.5 percent chance of earning the No. 1 pick, according to tankathon.com.
Imagine in this year of losing, if the Sixers win big by earning the top pick. They would then select Duke 6-9 freshman Cooper Flagg, who is considered a franchise-altering player.
He certainly would be on a veteran Sixers team, where Flagg wouldn’t be needed to carry the main load, but he could be extremely effective.
A best-case scenario is Flagg teaming with a healthy Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. Last year McCain was one of the big surprises in the NBA. He was drafted 16th overall out of Duke and many felt that he would see limited minutes on a veteran Sixers team. Yet, McCain made the most of some early-season minutes and ended up averaging 15.3 points in 23 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Embiid, George, Maxey and McCain missed a total of 193 games. Maxey played in the most among this quartet and he missed 30 games.
Of course, being healthy is the key for the Sixers, especially with Embiid.
If the overall health is regained and if the Sixers earn that top pick, there will be many predicting big things for the Sixers.
Even if they don’t earn the top pick, but keep their draft choice, this is a talented draft.
Two of Flagg’s Duke teammates, 7-2 Khaman Maluach and 6-7 Kon Knueppel are among the players that mock drafts have going to the Sixers if they keep their pick and select fifth.
The Sixers could also use the pick if they want to make a trade.
One thing is for sure, is that if they keep that pick, the Sixers should be extremely active this offseason.
It all starts with the lottery and for the Sixers, this is their playoff game this season.
advertisement
Author: Marc Narducci
Archives
Best of the Best 2025
Back in Familiar Territory
Exceptional Educators
The Substance of Weight-Loss Medicine
Course Guide
Closing the Deal
Eyes on the Prize
A Moment in Time
Up to the Challenge
Strength in Numbers
A look at the Phillies
Best of Home & Garden 2025
Up to the Challenge
Built on Strength
Hometown Competition
More...
