The Philadelphia 76ers are in a bit of a limbo right now, waiting anxiously for the NBA Draft Lottery on May 12 to see if they get to keep their top-six protected draft pick. As things stand, they currently hold the fifth-worst record in the league, putting them right in the mix for a high lottery selection. However, there's a little wrinkle in the standings—Philadelphia is tied with the Brooklyn Nets, but because Brooklyn has the better division record, the tiebreaker pushes the Sixers "ahead" in the lottery order.
Now, what does all this mean for the Sixers? Well, it’s time to start looking at draft prospects and who could be donning the red, white, and blue next season. Obviously, the crown jewel of the 2025 NBA Draft is Duke's superstar talent, Cooper Flagg. Every team in the lottery would love to land him, and for good reason—he’s a generational player. But realistically, the Sixers aren’t necessarily in the best position to land the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, they need to focus on other elite prospects, some of whom also come from that loaded Duke roster.
One name that has been gaining serious traction is Kon Knueppel, a versatile Duke forward who has quickly turned heads with his well-rounded game. In a recent mock draft by The Athletic, Knueppel was projected to be the Sixers’ pick at No. 6 overall. And honestly, that’s an exciting prospect.
Knueppel is coming off an impressive showing in the ACC Tournament, where he stepped up in a major way when Flagg wasn’t on the court. Over the course of Duke’s three tournament games, he averaged 21 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. Those numbers weren’t just empty stats either—he was actively leading Duke and proving that he could be an impactful player at the next level.
Why Knueppel Could Be the Right Fit for Philly
One of the most exciting aspects of Knueppel’s game is his ability to thrive both on and off the ball. His shooting is a legitimate weapon—he drilled 39% of his three-pointers on nearly six attempts per game, showcasing a smooth and reliable stroke from deep. If the Sixers are looking for a player who can space the floor and give Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid more room to operate, Knueppel checks that box effortlessly.
But he’s not just a catch-and-shoot specialist. Knueppel has shown flashes of being an intriguing on-ball playmaker as well. He can put the ball on the floor, make smart passes, and create shots for himself and others. That kind of versatility makes him an exciting prospect, especially for a Sixers team that needs more dynamic offensive weapons.
The Defensive Question Mark
If there’s one area of concern, it’s on the defensive side of the ball. Knueppel is a competitor and plays hard, which is always a great sign. But there are some real questions about his foot speed and lateral quickness. The NBA is a different beast compared to college basketball, and defending perimeter players at the next level will be a significant challenge for him.
That said, defense isn’t always about pure athleticism. High basketball IQ, effort, and team defense can help mask some deficiencies. And given that Knueppel has shown he’s a smart player, there’s hope that he can hold his own with the right system and development.
How He Fits with the Sixers’ Core
Philadelphia is in an interesting spot as they try to bounce back from a disappointing 2024-25 season. With Maxey and Embiid as the core duo, plus the addition of Paul George and Quentin Grimes, the Sixers need players who can complement their stars rather than demand heavy offensive usage.
Knueppel fits that bill perfectly. His ability to move without the ball, find open spaces, and knock down shots would be a great complement to Maxey’s explosive scoring and Embiid’s dominant post play. Plus, his willingness to make the right basketball play would mesh well with the Sixers’ system.
The Bottom Line
While every Sixers fan would love to land Cooper Flagg, the reality is that picking sixth means looking at the next best available talent. Kon Knueppel isn’t just a consolation prize—he’s a highly skilled prospect who could make an immediate impact in Philadelphia. His shooting, passing, and overall offensive versatility make him a strong fit alongside the Sixers’ current core, and if he can improve defensively, he has the potential to be a key piece for years to come.
So, while the draft lottery remains a waiting game, one thing is clear—the Sixers have some exciting options on the table. And if Knueppel is the guy they land, Philly fans should be pretty excited about what he brings to the table.
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