As the NBA draft approaches, the Philadelphia 76ers' draft history draws attention, particularly the 2006 draft. The Sixers selected Thabo Sefolosha with the 13th pick but traded him to the Chicago Bulls for Rodney Carney, chosen at 16. Carney, after a productive college career at Memphis, had two stints with the Sixers, contributing in a supporting role during his time. He averaged 5.7 points and 2.0 rebounds over three years in Philadelphia, playing a total of five seasons in the NBA with various teams.

This draft marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, showcasing their strategy of prioritizing immediate contributions over potential long-term gains.