The Philadelphia 76ers look to strengthen their roster by targeting Ace Bailey in the 2025 NBA Draft, hoping to support Joel Embiid and enhance their chances of returning to championship contention. After a difficult 2024-25 season plagued by injuries to key players, the team secured the third overall pick, positioning them to add this promising talent.
Philadelphia’s Challenging Season Opens Door to Top Draft Opportunity
The 2024-25 campaign was particularly disappointing for the 76ers despite high expectations surrounding their star trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. Injuries severely limited appearances, with George playing just 41 games, Embiid only 19, and Maxey 52. The team’s struggles resulted in a total of only 26 wins, placing them low in the standings but providing a valuable draft position.
Securing the third overall pick gives Philadelphia a chance to address glaring roster needs. Sports Illustrated’s Matt Brandon contends that the choice is straightforward given the draft class. He argues the 76ers should select Rutgers standout Ace Bailey to reinvigorate the team’s lineup.
Ace Bailey Represents a High-Impact, Versatile Addition
Matt Brandon highlights Bailey’s unique skill set as ideal for the 76ers’ current roster.
The Sixers had an underwhelming season, but landing the No. 3 pick in a top-heavy draft gives them a chance to bounce back into the East’s top tier,
Brandon wrote.
Rutgers’ Ace Bailey is the clear choice — injecting youth and energy into a core that includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Jared McCain.
At 6-foot-10, Bailey combines size, athleticism, and scoring ability, making him a rare wing prospect. During his college career, he demonstrated the capability to make difficult shots and has a confident shooting stroke that translates to NBA-level three-point range. His season averages of 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds on 46 percent shooting, including 34.6 percent from beyond the arc, underscore his offensive value.
Defensively, Bailey offers versatility that has long been missing in Philadelphia. Brandon adds:
On the defensive end, he checks boxes the Sixers have been trying to fill for years — a mobile, versatile defender who can stay in front of guards, disrupt passing lanes, and rotate over as a weak-side shot blocker. Pairing his defensive versatility with Embiid’s paint dominance gives Philly a dynamic duo capable of locking down just about anyone.
Bailey’s ability to contribute on both ends of the court resonates with what the 76ers need, particularly in light of past defensive shortcomings and the importance of reinforcing Joel Embiid’s dominance inside the paint.
Expert Support for Selecting Bailey Reflects Championship Ambitions
The consensus among draft experts like PFSN’s Brandon Austin also favors Bailey as the ideal pick to complement the 76ers’ existing stars and championship goals. Austin emphasizes the player’s natural abilities and fit within Philadelphia’s framework.
tools, energy, and natural scoring instincts make him a valuable addition to a team with championship aspirations.
—Brandon Austin, NBA Draft Analyst
By adding Bailey, the 76ers aim to blend youth and experience, creating a roster capable of competing at a high level in the Eastern Conference. His skill set is expected to provide immediate contributions while offering defensive flexibility alongside Joel Embiid’s dominance in the paint.
Looking ahead, the selection of Ace Bailey could mark a pivotal step in the 76ers’ quest to turn around their fortunes and challenge for the NBA title once again, enhancing their core and reinforcing their championship trajectory centered around Joel Embiid and 76ers 2025 NBA Draft prospects.