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Looking Beyond Pick No. 22
The Philadelphia 76ers have been the focus of considerable discussion about what to do with the No. 22 overall choice as the NBA Draft draws near. Although the roster might benefit from the addition of another young player, Philadelphia’s summer goals go much beyond a single draft pick. If the Sixers want to restore themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference after a dismal and injury-plagued season, a number of crucial issues need to be resolved.
5. Additional Shooting
The Sixers should gain from getting more dependable perimeter shooting this offseason since spacing is the foundation of the contemporary NBA. Joel Embiid continues to command double teams whenever he is on the court, while Tyrese Maxey is still one of the team’s most potent scoring weapons. Everyone’s job on the court will be easier if those stars were surrounded by more reliable shooters.
Philadelphia should keep giving priority to players who can take down open looks and hold rival defenses accountable, whether through the draft, free agency, or a possible trade. Although the Sixers have a number of competent shooters, the offense would be strengthened even more by increasing floor spacing.
4. Young Talent and Development
The Sixers need to surround their veteran core with younger, less expensive players if they want to win right now. Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid all play significant roles, so Philadelphia can’t rely solely on pricey veterans to complete the squad. Finding players that can suit the team’s present timeframe and grow into true rotation pieces is a priority for the new front staff.
The No. 22 pick is therefore considerably more crucial. In the Jared McCain trade with Oklahoma City back in February, Philadelphia received the pick along with three second-round picks. The Sixers have one of their best opportunities to add a young, reasonably priced player, regardless of whether they keep the selection or utilize it in a bigger trade.
Mike Gansey’s first summer is crucial in this regard as well. Gansey must now prove his ability to spot talent that suits both the present and the future after taking Daryl Morey’s place as president of basketball operations. Young growth cannot be a long-term luxury for the Sixers. It must be included in the roster-building strategy.
3. Frontcourt Depth
Few things could be more crucial this offseason than strengthening Joel Embiid’s frontcourt. Even though Embiid is still the team’s mainstay, the Sixers have frequently struggled when he is sidelined by injury or rest.
Another big man who can play consistent minutes, grab rebounds efficiently, and guard the rim when needed is needed by Philadelphia. Adding depth to the frontcourt, whether through a trade, free agency, or the draft, would lessen Embiid’s workload during the regular season and offer important insurance in the event of injury.
2. Wing Defense
Despite their star strength, the Sixers still require more dependable wing defenders. Teams in the Eastern Conference are brimming with gifted scorers who can generate offense from the perimeter. Philadelphia needs players who can handle challenging assignments every night, whether they are playing versatile forwards or defending top guards.
When healthy, Paul George is still among the best two-way wings in basketball, but the Sixers would gain from surrounding him with additional athleticism, length, and defensive variety. Strengthening the wing rotation might help Philadelphia compete more effectively against the top contenders in the conference, as the postseason frequently comes down to individual matchups.
1. Health and Availability
The Sixers’ greatest offseason need isn’t a player. It has to do with health.
Philadelphia can compete with almost anyone in the NBA when Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George are on the court together. Unfortunately, the Sixers’ 2025–26 season was severely hampered by injuries, which also made it difficult for them to continuously gain momentum.
If the team’s key players are unable to maintain their health, neither an offseason addition nor a draft choice will matter. Improving depth and controlling workloads will be crucial as Philadelphia enters a new era under Mike Gansey, but the availability of its stars will ultimately determine the organization’s success.
Final Takeaway
As the NBA Draft draws near, it makes sense that the No. 22 overall choice will garner a lot of interest. But Philadelphia’s goals for the offseason go well beyond just one choice.
The Sixers should prioritize adding shooting, developing young players, bolstering wing defense, and enhancing frontcourt depth this summer. Above all, though, Philadelphia needs to figure out how to maintain the health of its core throughout the season.
The Sixers will have a real chance to return to the Eastern Conference playoff picture if they can achieve that while making significant personnel changes.
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Sports journalism student at the University of Oregon covering the Philadelphia 76ers with passion and perspective.
Categorized:News Sixers
