The Philadelphia 76ers are a team at a crossroads, balancing their pursuit of a championship with the need to manage their 76ers draft picks carefully. Known for their bold moves in free agency and trades, the 76ers have historically used their draft capital to build their roster while also leveraging picks to bring in proven stars. This strategy has led to mixed results over the last decade, but it also leaves the team in a position to strike big in future drafts, particularly as we approach the 2025 and 2026 drafts.
With the current season offering glimpses of both promise and concern, it’s time to analyze the 76ers draft picks in detail. We’ll cover their current assets, a breakdown of their best and worst picks over the last 10 years, and how their season trajectory could impact next year’s draft.
The Future of the 76ers Draft Picks: Incoming and Outgoing Assets
The Sixers’ draft picks are spread across several years, a result of calculated trades to improve their current roster while still maintaining long-term flexibility.
Incoming Draft Picks
Philadelphia’s most exciting future assets come from pick swaps and trades. Here’s a breakdown of their key incoming picks:
- 2026:
- First Round: Philadelphia will receive the most favorable pick among OKC, HOU, and LAC’s 2026 first-round selections. This is a unique situation that could result in a high-value pick if any of these teams underperform.
- Second Round: Philadelphia will also receive multiple second-round picks, giving them opportunities to grab depth talent.
- 2027:
- Second Round: Picks from MIL and LAC (no protections).
- 2028:
- First Round: Philadelphia retains its own pick.
- Second Round: A protected pick from DET. If it falls outside the protected range, it will convey to the 76ers.
- 2029:
- Philadelphia owns both its first-round and second-round picks.
These assets will be critical for future flexibility. Whether they’re used to draft players or flipped for veteran talent, the 76ers’ front office will have options.
Outgoing Draft Picks
The Sixers have traded several future picks, reflecting their commitment to “win now.” These include:
- 2025:
- First Round: Owed to OKC, protected for selections 1-6. If the pick doesn’t convey, it will roll over into 2027.
- Second Round: Sent to MIL.
- 2026:
- Second Round: Swapped with OKC, HOU, or SAC.
- 2027:
- First Round: Owed to BKN, protected for selections 1-8.
While these outgoing picks limit their short-term draft flexibility, the Sixers still hold enough assets to remain competitive both now and in the future.
Best and Worst Draft Picks of the Last 10 Years
The Sixers have had a tumultuous draft history over the last decade, ranging from franchise-altering hits to forgettable misses. Here’s a breakdown:
Best Draft Picks
- Joel Embiid (2014, 3rd Overall)
Embiid’s selection marked a turning point for the franchise. Despite early injury concerns, he has blossomed into one of the most dominant players in the league, winning the 2023 NBA MVP. His two-way impact as a scoring machine and defensive anchor makes him the cornerstone of Philadelphia’s title hopes. - Tyrese Maxey (2020, 21st Overall)
Maxey might be the steal of the 2020 draft. Selected late in the first round, he has quickly emerged as a dynamic scorer and playmaker. His development alongside Embiid has given the Sixers a legitimate second star, capable of taking over games. - Mikal Bridges (2018, 10th Overall)
While the Sixers drafted Bridges, they immediately traded him to Phoenix for Zhaire Smith and a future pick. Bridges has developed into one of the NBA’s best 3-and-D wings, and while not a Sixers success story, he reflects their sharp scouting abilities.
Worst Draft Picks
- Markelle Fultz (2017, 1st Overall)
The Sixers traded up to draft Fultz, but his career in Philadelphia was derailed by injuries and shooting struggles. While he has found some success in Orlando, Fultz remains a cautionary tale about mortgaging assets for a single player. - Jahlil Okafor (2015, 3rd Overall)
Okafor was drafted during the “Process” era but failed to adapt to the modern NBA’s pace and space style. His lack of defensive ability and fit alongside Embiid made him an unfortunate misstep. - Zhaire Smith (2018, 16th Overall)
Traded for Mikal Bridges, Smith’s career was derailed by injuries and health issues. He played just 13 games for the Sixers and is widely considered one of the team’s biggest draft disappointments.
The Sixers’ history shows that while they’ve hit on stars like Embiid and Maxey, missed opportunities like Fultz and Okafor have slowed their path to a championship.
How the Season Is Going So Far: Can the 76ers Land a Top Pick?
As the 2023-24 season progresses, the Sixers find themselves in an intriguing position. Led by Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia has proven they can compete with the best teams in the Eastern Conference. However, injuries and inconsistency have raised questions about their ability to make a deep playoff run.
Current Standings
The Sixers currently sit in the middle tier of the Eastern Conference standings. While they’re unlikely to fall into the lottery, a poor stretch of games or injuries could push them closer to the draft lottery bubble. If they were to miss the playoffs, their 2025 first-round pick (if it conveys) could land in the lottery, adding another talented player to their roster.
Top Draft Pick Scenarios
The best-case scenario for Philadelphia would involve:
- Retaining Their Picks: If their 2025 first-round pick does not convey to OKC due to protections, they could land a top-10 talent.
- Leveraging Incoming Swaps: The 2026 pick swap involving OKC, HOU, and LAC gives the Sixers a chance to capitalize on another team’s misfortunes. If Houston or the Clippers struggle, Philadelphia could end up with a valuable pick.
The Path Forward: Balancing Present and Future
For the Philadelphia 76ers, the road ahead will require a delicate balance between remaining a championship contender and maximizing the value of their 76ers draft picks. Navigating the new landscape of the NBA, especially with increasing financial challenges and evolving competition, the Sixers must approach the next several years with strategic precision. While they are in a “win now” phase with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading the charge, their 76ers draft picks are critical assets to keep both short-term and long-term goals aligned.
1. Hitting on Late Picks and Second-Round Gems
With limited first-round capital over the next few seasons, hitting on second-round draft picks becomes a top priority for Philadelphia. While it’s easy to dismiss second-rounders as role players, history shows that teams can find hidden gems if they scout and develop properly. For the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey’s success—selected 21st overall in 2020—serves as the perfect reminder of how undervalued picks can become foundational pieces.
The Sixers’ draft strategy should focus on identifying players with untapped potential, particularly in areas where they lack depth, such as three-point shooting and versatile defenders. Second-round 76ers draft picks also come with financial advantages, as rookie-scale contracts allow teams to add contributors without significant cap hits. These affordable players can fill out the bench and reduce reliance on veterans who command higher salaries.
If the Sixers can continue to scout smartly, they can maximize their 76ers draft picks by consistently adding talent to develop behind Embiid and Maxey, ensuring roster depth without sacrificing financial flexibility.
2. Using Draft Picks as Trade Assets
Given their championship window with Joel Embiid in his prime and Tyrese Maxey’s rapid rise, the Sixers are firmly in “win now” mode. That means their 76ers draft picks are just as valuable as trade chips as they are for selecting young players. Packaging picks for proven veterans could be the difference between early playoff exits and a legitimate title run.
For example, acquiring a two-way wing or frontcourt depth would address current roster gaps and alleviate pressure on Embiid. The Sixers could leverage their incoming second-round picks and their 2026 first-round pick swap to sweeten trade offers. The ability to add a ready-made contributor midseason could significantly improve their playoff chances while taking advantage of Embiid’s dominance.
Philadelphia’s front office must approach these trades carefully, ensuring they don’t mortgage future flexibility for short-term gains. However, given the stakes, a smart trade using 76ers draft picks could position the team for a championship run while keeping the roster competitive for years to come.
3. Monitoring Pick Swaps for High Value
One of the most intriguing assets in the Sixers’ draft portfolio is the 2026 pick swap involving OKC, HOU, and LAC. This swap gives the 76ers the right to claim the most favorable first-round pick among these three teams. If any of those franchises underperform in the next couple of seasons—whether due to injuries, roster struggles, or rebuilding efforts—Philadelphia could find itself with a high-value first-round selection.
Imagine a scenario where Houston fails to live up to expectations or the Clippers face roster turnover as their aging core moves on. The 76ers draft picks from this swap could suddenly provide a lottery-level talent to bolster their roster. For a team like Philadelphia, which is already operating with limited first-round capital in the short term, the ability to capitalize on other teams’ struggles becomes an essential piece of their strategy.
This is why monitoring the performance of the Rockets, Clippers, and Thunder is so crucial. The Sixers’ ability to turn this swap into a valuable selection could provide an unexpected injection of young talent, helping them remain sustainable as Embiid and Maxey continue their primes.
The Future of the 76ers Draft Picks: Championship Dreams and Long-Term Flexibility
The 76ers draft picks are the lifeline of Philadelphia’s future success, acting as critical tools to balance their present championship aspirations with sustainable roster building. While the Sixers have traded away some picks to build a contender, they still retain enough flexibility to remain competitive.
Looking forward, Philadelphia must learn from its recent draft history. The highs—such as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey—showcase the transformative power of well-used picks, while the lows—like Markelle Fultz and Jahlil Okafor—highlight the need for careful scouting and patience. Each 76ers draft pick carries significant weight, and the Sixers cannot afford to miss again.
Philadelphia’s immediate path relies on staying competitive in the Eastern Conference while strategically managing their draft assets. Should they falter in the regular season or encounter injuries, their future picks could position them for a top selection in next year’s draft. The possibility of landing a high-upside prospect, either through their own pick or an acquired asset like the 2026 swap, remains a key opportunity to reinforce the team’s foundation.
At the same time, the Sixers’ long-term vision must center on developing young players who can contribute alongside Embiid and Maxey. With 76ers draft picks in the second round and beyond, the front office has a chance to identify undervalued talent, maintain cost-effective roster depth, and ensure that the Sixers don’t face a steep decline once their stars hit their late primes.
Walking the Line Between Contender and Future Builder
The 76ers draft picks represent a crucial balance between championship contention and future sustainability. Philadelphia’s front office must continue to walk the line between maximizing the present—by packaging picks for key trades—and investing in the future through smart drafting and player development.
The team’s 2026 swap rights and collection of second-round picks give them flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, whether they need to chase a title or pivot to retool the roster. For Sixers fans, this is a moment to appreciate the team’s current success while keeping a close eye on their 76ers draft picks and the opportunities they may unlock.
As Joel Embiid continues to dominate and Tyrese Maxey emerges as a star, the future remains bright. If Philadelphia manages their assets wisely, they can build a team capable of contending now while ensuring long-term competitiveness through their 76ers draft picks.
For a franchise and a city hungry for a championship, every draft pick, trade, and decision matters. And with careful planning, the Sixers have the tools to make their dreams a reality.
