The Philadelphia 76ers are in freefall, and there’s no sugarcoating it. Losing 12 of their last 13 games has left them floundering with a 21-41 record, marking what can only be described as a disastrous season. This was a team that entered the year with championship aspirations, expecting to be one of the NBA’s elite contenders. Instead, injuries and other uncontrollable factors have derailed their plans, leaving fans frustrated and the front office scrambling for answers.
But here’s a different way to look at it—maybe, just maybe, this disaster of a season could turn into a blessing in disguise.
Yes, the Sixers are having a terrible year, but if they continue on this downward trajectory, they could secure a critical asset for the future. Their first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is top-6 protected. If they finish with a bad enough record, they get to keep that pick and add a promising young talent to their roster. That could be a game-changer for a team looking to build around its stars. Right now, the Sixers are tied for the sixth-worst record in the league with the Brooklyn Nets. However, due to a slightly worse divisional record, Philly sits “ahead” of Brooklyn in the lottery standings.
This brings us to a crucial point: the NBA Draft Lottery on May 12. That’s the date that will determine whether the Sixers get to keep their first-round pick or if it slips away. There’s no guarantee they’ll land in the top six, but every loss in these final 20 games improves their odds. In a season where not much has gone their way, this could be a rare silver lining.
Let’s talk about the long-term picture. Philadelphia still has a promising core in place. Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey are expected to be the franchise’s cornerstones heading into the 2025-26 season. The next step? Surrounding them with young, energetic players who can contribute immediately. Keeping their 2025 first-round pick would allow them to do just that, possibly bringing in a high-upside prospect to bolster the rotation.
And that’s not all. The Sixers also own a second-round pick in this year’s draft, currently projected at No. 36 overall. They originally lost that pick but managed to get it back from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade involving Caleb Martin and Quentin Grimes. While second-round picks don’t always turn into stars, they can still provide valuable role players. Given the right scouting and development, the Sixers could find a steal in that spot.
With two potential draft picks in hand, Philadelphia has a real opportunity to reshape its roster. The key now is to stay focused on the long game. Even though it’s painful for fans to watch their team struggle, the reality is that tanking these final 20 games could significantly improve their chances of landing a top-tier rookie. It’s not the ideal scenario, but it might be the best one given the circumstances.
That’s the tough part about the NBA—sometimes, you have to take a step back to move forward. If the Sixers can make the most of this draft, they could turn this nightmare season into a building block for future success. With Embiid, George, and Maxey leading the charge, adding young talent around them could be the missing piece to getting back into contention.
So, while the 2024-25 season may feel like a lost cause, the Sixers aren’t entirely out of options. If they play their cards right, they could walk away from this with a promising young player and a renewed sense of direction. It’s all about positioning themselves for the future—and that starts with the draft lottery on May 12. The countdown begins now.
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