As the 2025 NBA draft approaches, the Sixers have had more than enough rumors and stories regarding what they’ll do with the third overall selection. Will it be Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, or even Tre Johnson? Will the team make a surprise move down in the draft to collect some assets for the future?
Philadelphia has a ton of possibilities with the third pick, but they also have the opportunity to either use their current second-round selection, at No. 35, or trade up for a talent who may slip. In such a case, the Sixers have a chance to grab a player who could make an impact next season.
Danny Wolf
Danny Wolf has been a fast riser, even earning an NBA Draft green room invite. He won’t be available for the Sixers at No. 35, but as other centers like Thomas Sorber, Joan Beringer, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser continue to rise draft boards, there’s an opportunity for Wolf to fall within striking distance for the Sixers.
While he spent the early part of his career with Yale as a more traditional center, a transfer to Michigan for last season opened up his game and the eyes of scouts. At 7’0″ and 250 lbs, Wolf has the size to compete in the post in the league, despite not having the traditional post maneuvers that some would like to see. His speed, vision, and lateral quickness allow him to move well in transition, especially given that he’s a great defensive rebounder, a skill the Sixers desperately need.
In addition to his size and ability down low, Wolf hit on 36.8% of his three-point attempts last season. His speed would help him when separating from low-post defenders, knowing that he has the confidence and ability to move outside and knock down shots. Athleticism, quickness, and rebounding are all important to a Sixers team that struggled last season but could be a huge bonus coming off the bench this year and in the future.
If he falls, Danny Wolf is a player that the team should look at, even if the Sixers have to trade up a bit for him.
Adou Thiero
At just 21 years old, Thiero already has NBA size: 220 lbs on a 6’7″ frame and a 7’0″ wingspan. While Theiro is not a great outside shooter, his ability to finish at and around the rim would add much-needed athleticism and power to the Sixers’ second unit.
Due to the many draft-eligible players who went back to school, and also his own talent, he is not expected to make it to the Sixers at No. 35, but he will likely fall within range for a trade-up.
Thiero has great lateral quickness and covers enough ground that he’s already a very sound defender who won’t get caught up going over or under pick and rolls. The Sixers could definitely use someone who has his size and athleticism, while they’d be able to work with him to develop his shooting form and touch.
While Theiro won’t be great from the outside and has had issues with his free-throw shooting, the size, skill, and athleticism he does possess would be a huge addition to the Sixers’ second unit. If he were able to develop a cleaner shooting form and improve his ability from outside and the free-throw line, it would only improve his value to the team but, as it stands, the defense and scoring in transition are the two most important parts of his game if he were to be drafted by the Sixers.
