As his first big move as president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, Mike Gansey selected Labaron Philon with the 22nd overall pick of the 2026 NBA draft. While getting another consensus draft faller a la Tyrese Maxey in 2020 is certainly cause for excitement, it’s possible the Sixers could be done for now. The team does not currently have a selection in Wednesday night’s second round. Philadelphia’s 47th overall pick was sent out as part of the 2021 trade with the Oklahoma City
Thunder to acquire George Hill. Subsequent trades had the pick move along to Phoenix and now New York, following a deal last night between the Suns and Knicks for Phoenix to move up into the first round and select Koa Peat with the 30th overall pick.
However, things could change on the second round front for the Sixers. In comments following the first round, Gansey indicated the team may be trying to acquire a selection in tonight’s second round.
The Sixers currently have 11 players under contract: Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, Trendon Watford, Dalen Terry, Jabari Walker, Justin Edwards, Adem Bona, and Johni Broome. Barlow, Watford, and Terry are club options, while Walker and Bona are non-guaranteed deals. Obviously, Philon will take a 12th spot when he signs a contract. Gansey also mentioned last night the team has had contact with the representatives for Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes, so bringing those guys back in free agency is definitely on the team’s radar. However, as Gansey said, there’s certainly room for a second-rounder to enter the mix.
Historically, teams are much more willing to move second-round picks, as those obviously don’t carry nearly the same value as first-round selections. Early indications are that nothing will be different this year.
We’ll see what happens tonight, but if Gansey and the Sixers are motivated, it appears the opportunities will be there to acquire a pick in the second round. Stay tuned.
