Sixers Secure O'Neal Jr. at 24th Overall in 2026 Draft

The Philadelphia 76ers are currently in the midst of being in the race to get out of the play-in tournament and into the top 6 for a guaranteed playoff spot, but with the NCAA Tournament beginning to get underway, now's a great time to look ahead to the draft. While the Sixers don't control their own draft pick--it is top 4 protected and will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the Al Horford deal in 2020 if it doesn't land in the top 4--they do have a first-round pick via the Houston Rockets. The Sixers acquired that pick as part of the Jared McCain to the Thunder trade at the deadline.

A mock draft performed by Sports Illustrated has the Sixers selecting Arizona forward Koa Peat with the No. 24 pick: He uses his power and strength to exploit mismatches, and plays with a high-motor. The outside shot is still developing, and the mecahnics of the shot are shaky, but he is a do-it-all four man with real upside.

The biggest concern outside of his shooting, he's a bit undersized at the four spot in the NBA. Peat is averaging 13. 6 points, 5.

3 rebounds, and 2. 7 assists while shooting 31. 6% from deep for the Big 12 champion Arizona Wildcats.