Philadelphia 76ers Mock Draft 4.0

The 2025 NBA draft is nearly upon us.

With Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers wrapping up tonight, it’s time to look ahead to what some consider the best time in the NBA: the offseason. And what begins the NBA offseason? The NBA draft, of course.

Unlike recent seasons, this NBA draft is a big one for the Philadelphia 76ers, as due to multiple year-long injuries from the majority of their starters, the second half of the season essentially became a tank for their draft pick. The Thunder held the rights to the 76ers’ draft pick if it did not end up in the top six of the draft, but thanks to the team’s terrible record, they managed to keep the pick and now have a chance to improve a roster that was built to win a title last season.

Who the 76ers select at three is still a definite unanswered question, but I think a bigger question is if Philadelphia will stay at pick three? Here’s a look at what I think the 76ers will do during Wednesday’s draft.

Pick 5: *Trade With Utah Jazz* Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke

For the 76ers first selection in the draft, instead of having them select at three, I have the 76ers moving down in the draft to pick No. 5. Andy Larsen, an insider for the Utah Jazz, recently spoke about how the 76ers and Jazz have discussed a deal that would send Paul George to Utah.

This would be a huge deal for the 76ers, who would get off George’s four-year, $211 million contract just one year into it. In the trade, I have the Jazz acquiring George and the No. 3 pick, while the 76ers receive the No. 5 pick, and to match the salaries of George, Philadelphia would receive Collin Sexton and John Collins.

Sexton and Collins are both in their final year of long-term contracts and will be unrestricted free agents after the 2025-26 season. This trade will allow the 76ers to regain cap space for next season’s offseason while also acquiring two role players that will increase the depth at guard and give them a solid power forward in Collins.

Now trading down to five does cause them to lose out on both Ace Bailey and V.J. Edgecombe, but it would allow them to select one of the most underrated players in the draft in Duke sharpshooter Kon Knueppel. Knueppel stands 6’7 215 lbs, and was the second option to presumable No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. In his sole year at Duke, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and shot 47.9% from the field and 40.6% from three.

While Knueppel may not have the star potential that Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey are projected to have, Knueppel is expected to be an outstanding role player with a chance to exceed as a second or third option in offenses. A guy like that could fill in perfectly for a team like Philadelphia, who could serve as a JJ Redick-esque shooter. Shooting is needed in today’s NBA, and Knueppel may be the best one in this draft.

Pick 35: Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee

For their second-round pick, I have the 76ers targeting one of the older players in this draft, but one that could immediately help improve the shooting problems the team has faced recently. Enter Tennessee shooting guard Chaz Lanier.

Lanier is a 6’5 guard from Nashville, who spent five seasons in college, his first four at North Florida, before transferring to Tennessee for his extra Covid year. In his final season at North Florida, Lanier averaged 19.7 points and shot 44% from beyond the arc. He transferred to Knoxville for his final year of eligibility and picked right where he left off, averaging 18 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 39.5% from three.

However, Lanier will be 24 when the season begins, and age is a big concern with NBA teams, but for a guy who could be a big three-point shooting spark off the bench for Nick Nurse.

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