As the 2025 NBA draft lottery approaches, Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey has stated that if the team keeps their No. 3 pick, they intend to select the best available player, without focusing heavily on positional needs. However, the durability of Joel Embiid remains a crucial factor that could influence the team’s draft decisions, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty about Embiid’s health status following his recent knee surgery.
Potential Draft Targets and Positional Fit Considerations
Among the prospects linked to the Sixers, Rutgers forward Ace Bailey presents an intriguing choice, as he might fulfill both upside and fit requirements. According to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, Bailey’s potential ceiling is
the second-best player in this class if he improves his areas of need,
though Vecenie expressed doubts about Bailey’s ability to make those improvements. Bailey also offers a cleaner complement to players like Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Quentin Grimes—should the Sixers re-sign the restricted free agent Grimes—compared to other options such as Baylor’s swingman VJ Edgecombe or Texas guard Tre Johnson.
The Sixers face a decision between taking a risk on a high-upside player like Bailey, despite his problematic pre-draft behavior, or opting for a more reliable but potentially lower-ceiling prospect such as Edgecombe. This choice becomes even more complicated when factoring in Embiid’s uncertain physical condition.
Health Uncertainty Creates Draft Strategy Dilemma
Embiid underwent arthroscopic surgery in mid-April to assess the meniscus injury that had limited him for over a year, but since then, no official updates have been provided. If the Sixers are confident that Embiid will return to his MVP-level performance and endure a full 82-game season plus an extended playoff run, they might prioritize a safer, NBA-ready player like Edgecombe. Vecenie described Edgecombe as
one of the safest prospects in the draft,
though his upside is less than Bailey’s.
Conversely, if the organization doubts Embiid’s long-term durability, they may be forced to take on more risk in pursuit of a star who could eventually replace or share the spotlight with Maxey. Under this scenario, the team might lean towards a high-risk, high-reward talent like Bailey because the 2025 pick could represent their best chance at finding a sustainable co-star.
Sixers’ Internal Communication and Draft Night Implications
Although publicly silent, the Sixers are believed to be closely monitoring Embiid’s recovery along with the medical team responsible for his surgery. What the team does on draft night, whether standing firm at No. 3 or maneuvering through trades, may reveal how hopeful or cautious they are about Embiid’s future contributions. For instance, if they trade down and select a less prominent prospect such as Duke center Khaman Maluach, it could signal doubts about Embiid’s viability.
Despite any official statements emphasizing a “best player available” philosophy, practical team-building during a competitive window requires weighing each pick’s compatibility with Embiid and Maxey. While positional fit might not be the deciding factor, ignoring it entirely would be unrealistic unless the Sixers plan to move on from Embiid soon.
Outlook Amid Ongoing Ambiguity on Embiid’s Knee
Clear information about Embiid’s condition is unlikely to emerge until several months after the draft, leaving fans and media to speculate in the meantime. It remains doubtful that Daryl Morey or the front office will provide straightforward answers when questioned. Nevertheless, the organization’s ultimate draft decisions will carry important clues about their confidence in Embiid’s future role.
Given the stakes involved, the Sixers’ choice during the 2025 draft will not only indicate their immediate talent acquisition strategy but also hint at their broader plans for a roster that has revolved around Embiid for years. The tension between cautious optimism and pragmatic risk-taking creates an uneasy atmosphere as the franchise faces a pivotal moment in shaping its next competitive chapter.