Sixers target NCAA Champion in recent mock draft

Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) and guard Nimari Burnett (4) celebrate after their win against the UConn Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament between the and the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

With the NBA draft sitting a little over two weeks away, speculation about what different teams around the league are going to do with their picks is mounting, as is the case with the Philadelphia 76ers and the 22nd pick, which they acquired in the now-controversial Jared McCain trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder at the trade deadline.

Philadelphia’s pick allows them to fix some issues that the team has, or add some needed depth at one of a few positions, with a recent mock draft showing that the Sixers do both.

The Sixers add some front-court depth 

According to a recent mock draft by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, Philadelphia will retain the 22nd pick, using it to select Morez Johnson Jr from the University of Michigan. Johnson just got done with his sophomore season in the collegiate scene, winning the National Championship with the Wolverines, and being a big part of their success.

In his first season with Michigan, Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per night, managing to be a defensive threat during March Madness, averaging a block per game during the winning run.

Given his 6-foot, 9-inch frame, Johnson wouldn’t be the right profile to fill in the frontcourt for Joel Embiid, but he does have the weight to absorb blows from driving players. Playing small-ball centers isn’t exactly new for Philadelphia, with PJ Tucker having been an option during Doc Rivers’ tenure, and even Paul George spending minutes in the front court under Nick Nurse in some instances.

The Sixers going with more wing depth has been a trend in recent mock drafts, with the likes of Koa Peat, Allen Graves, and Chris Cenac Jr. all tied to the 22nd pick.

For now, what Philadelphia decides to do with its pick will remain the subject of speculation until the NBA Draft is underway, which is set for June 23.

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• Sixers' executive catching interest from Mavericks
• Sixers linked to All-Big 12 wing in recent mock draft