The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves on the cusp of a pivotal moment as they prepare for the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. Finishing the season with the fifth-worst record in the league, the Sixers have a 10.5% chance of securing the coveted No. 1 overall pick, which could lead them to the highly touted Duke forward, Cooper Flagg, who has emerged as a generational talent.
The stakes are high for Philadelphia, as the team will retain their first-round draft pick only if it lands between picks No. 1 and 6. Should the selection fall outside those parameters, the pick will be transferred to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the trade involving Al Horford. Presently, the Sixers boast a 66% chance of keeping their pick, significantly influenced by their recent performance, which saw them finish the season with a disappointing 11-41 record since January 1.
The draft lottery will take place on May 12, 2025, in Chicago, starting at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN. Representing the 76ers at the event will be rookie guard Jared McCain, who was making waves as one of the team’s top scorers before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
As excitement builds, fans are left wondering if luck will finally be on their side. There is hope that a strong draft could pave the way for a brighter future after a season marred by challenges. Alongside the Sixers, 13 other teams will compete for favorable draft positions, and all eyes are on which way the lottery balls will bounce.
This year’s lottery marks the 40th iteration of the NBA’s unique process, which allows teams not in the playoffs to vie for the top picks as they look to reshape their rosters. With young talent like Cooper Flagg on the horizon, the upcoming draft presents a significant opportunity for the 76ers to revitalize their ambitions and restore pride in the franchise.