THE 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft is rapidly approaching, with each team making their final preparations ahead of adding some young talent to the best competition in the world.

There are some seriously impressive prospects available, with the crop stretching all around the globe as more international players begin to gain recognition. Suddenly, the collegiate system is not the only method to joining the NBA, which has allowed a broader range of players to compete at the top level.

With the NBA wrapping up the 2023/24 season as we speak, the teams already eliminated have spent the past few weeks considering which players they will select to prepare for the future, and the recent Draft Lottery saw the official order determined.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each team and how their draft will potentially pan out on June 26-27. With all 30 sides in their own unique situation, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the next injection of exciting players.

Under the microscope today are the Philadelphia 76ers, who are looking to build their list around the stars they currently have on their roster.

Philadelphia 76ers

Draft Selections

16, 41, 49

Contracted Players

Joel Embiid, Paul Reed, Ricky Council IV

The 76ers have been in their contending window for quite some time, but with several key pieces set to hit the free agency window, the addition of some fresh players could be important.

With the 16th pick, Pittsburgh guard Carlton Carrington offers plenty for Philadelphia as a creative backcourt contributor. Given the team has one of the best big men in the league in Embiid, Carrington’s excellence in pick and roll situations would be just what the Sixers need. He is also an extremely efficient pull-up shooter, and will add plenty to the offensive dynamic with Embiid and Maxey.

Jared McCain could also be an option, but he is expected to garner interest from teams higher in the draft, and may not still be on the board.

With their later picks in the draft, the Sixers could target a backup big man Oso Ighodaro out of Marquette. Although he is a bit undersized at six-foot-nine as a center, he offers playmaking and is quite versatile as a defender.

Alternatively, Philadelphia my look towards an NBL Next Star in AJ Johnson, who showed excellent traits during his time in Australia, and is worth a punt later in the draft, given how exciting he was on the court at times.