The Philadelphia 76ers made a surprising move in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Johni Broome, a big man from Auburn, with the 35th overall pick. Broome’s selection surprised many, given that he was not considered a top-tier prospect, but he himself felt a connection with the team dating back to his earlier interactions during the NBA Draft Combine.
During his introductory press conference, Broome recalled meeting with Sixers representatives at a previous Combine, where they expressed interest in him returning to school to develop his skills. Fast forward to this year, after a successful collegiate career, Broome re-engaged with the Sixers and felt that he had made significant strides as a player.
Broome’s coach during the Combine, Rico Hines, noted Broome’s effective performance during scrimmages, highlighting that his game may appear unconventional, but his results were impressive. Hines stated, “Sometimes it looked a little bit awkward or different, but he was very effective,” citing Broome’s ability to contribute significantly, often posting double digits in points and rebounds.
Despite some flaws in his game and below-average athleticism as measured by testing, Broome’s progress is evident. He recognized the areas for improvement that the Sixers wanted to see in him, such as enhancing his athleticism, improving his free throw percentage, and developing a consistent three-point shot. Such improvements are vital, especially as teams begin to value shooting volume as an indicator of future performance.
Broome’s early performance in the Summer League gave him a chance to showcase his shooting skills, with hopes that practice will lead to improvement in his shooting consistency. More important than individual skills, Hines emphasized Broome’s physical transformation over the last couple of years, as he has worked hard to adjust his physique for the demands of the NBA.
Both Hines and Sixers head coach Nick Nurse have expressed their support and belief in Broome’s potential, encouraging him to play freely and continue developing his game. The selection of Broome reflects the 76ers’ interest in versatile players with strong mental makeup, even if they lack traditional athletic characteristics.
With a dedicated coaching team behind him and a clear vision of his development path, there is optimism for Broome’s future in the NBA. His unique style and significant growth over the past couple of years have the potential to defy expectations, setting the stage for a promising career ahead.