NBA Draft Preview — 76ers Are Pickless

In years past the NBA draft was a day of anxiety, and hope for Sixers fans. But tomorrow seems like just another day. As it currently stands the 76ers do not have any picks in the 2023 NBA draft thanks to trades they have made over the past few seasons, but that does not mean 76ers fans shouldn’t pay attention to what is going on Thursday night. If the Sixers do not make a selection it would be the first time in franchise history they do not select a player in a draft.

According to Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice, the Sixers are “exploring multiple options to acquire a second-round pick. The most likely scenario is that the Sixers simply buy a second-round pick”. Buying a second-round pick would be an interesting option for the team because they would not have to give up any assets to acquire it. To get a first-round pick the Sixers would have to trade something of value, which they have very little assets to do so. If the Sixers do buy a second-round pick a few names I would keep an eye on are Emoni Bates, Jalen Slawson, Justin Powell, Johnell Davis, and Tyler Burton. These players have all taken reported pre-draft visits with the Sixers. If you are a Sixers fan who loves the draft, prepare for a late bedtime.

Another interesting angle the draft brings is veteran player trades. In last year’s draft, the Sixers acquired De’Anthony Melton on draft day, and I would not be surprised if they try to add a veteran player on Thursday night. Without having any picks in the draft this will be harder for the Sixers to pull off, but getting a pick back in a veteran player trade is always an option as well.

Once the Draft is over the real offseason work begins for the Sixers. The NBA’s free agency period opens up on July 1st. The Sixers will have to make decisions on players like James Harden, Jalen McDaniels, and Paul Reed. This is potentially the biggest offseason of the Joel Embiid era, and it all starts Thursday night.