The Philadelphia 76ers, equipped with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, are at a crucial juncture in their quest to reclaim Eastern Conference supremacy. Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey form a formidable core, yet the team is grappling with the need for youth as Embiid ages and recovers from knee surgery. The front office faces multiple pathways: they can select a potential star or trade down to acquire win-now players.

Potential targets for the No. 3 pick include Ace Bailey from Rutgers and VJ Edgecombe from Baylor, both of whom exhibit significant upside. However, the dilemma remains—can the Sixers develop these talents while simultaneously pursuing a championship? Another viable route involves trading down and targeting established players like New Orleans' Herb Jones, who fits the bill for immediate impact with his impressive shooting and defensive accolades.