Draft Recap & Selection Context
On June 26, 2025, during the second night of the NBA Draft in Brooklyn, the Philadelphia 76ers used their newly acquired second-round pick to select Auburn big man Johni Broome, 35th overall . The pick originated from a February-day trade (sending Caleb Martin and a future pick to Dallas for Quentin Grimes plus this pick), giving Philadelphia a roster-boosting opportunity they seized effectively .
This follows the Sixers’ front-end first-round strategy—selecting Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe at No. 3—highlighting a balanced approach across back-to-back days of roster building .
College Career & Skill Profile
Background
Born July 19, 2002, in Florida.
Played first two seasons at Morehead State, earning OVC Freshman of the Year (2021), Defensive Player of the Year (2022), and All-OVC First Team honors both years .
Transferred to Auburn in 2022, playing three seasons under Bruce Pearl .
Accolades & Stats
His junior year sealed his legacy:
2024–25: Consensus First-Team All-American, SEC Player of the Year, SEC Tournament MVP
Awarded prestigious national honors: Sporting News Player of the Year, Pete Newell Big Man Award, Karl Malone Award .
Led Auburn to the Final Four, with averages: 18.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.9 APG, 2.1 BPG .
Physical Profile & Strengths
Height & Frame: ~6′9.25″ (without shoes), ~240‑250 lb, massive ~7′ wingspan .
Elite rim protection, shot-blocking, and defensive instincts.
Tactical and high basketball IQ, with keen passing ability for a big man .
A top-tier offensive rebounder—widely praised as the best in the 2025 class .
Limitations & Questions
Athleticism is not explosive, which may limit him as a four.
Outside shooting is inconsistent: 27.8% 3PT (2024–25), career FT around 60% .
At nearly 23 and after five years of college eligibility, scouts note he may have less developmental runway—but offers more immediate readiness .
—
The Sixers’ Strategic Fit
Defensive Role & Frontcourt Depth
Philadelphia—anchored by Joel Embiid—benefits from adding a dependable backup who is sixth-man-worthy on defense. Broome brings shot-blocking and rim protection, easing Embiid’s minutes .
Plug‑and‑Play Readiness
Unlike high-upside, raw second-rounders, Broome is seen as a plug-and-play rotational center. He brings immediate value through rebounding, defensive toughness, and physicality .
Cultural & Roster Appeal
Daryl Morey’s roster-building places strong emphasis on character and work ethic. Broome, labeled as “smart, tough, high-character,” fits that mold perfectly .
Comparison to Past Choices
Following last year’s selection of Adem Bona in Round 2, the Sixers continue to invest in foundational bigs to scout young frontcourt depth .
—
Broome’s Perspective & Opportunistic Outlook
At the announcement, Broome expressed joy and determination despite being a second-round pick:
> “Being here, this is probably the most exciting moment of my life so far … it just feels surreal.”
He fully intends to earn rotation minutes and contribute to team success. The club’s acknowledgment of his role—and his optimism—highlight a mutual fit.
—
Draft Impact & Second‑Round Trends
Broome was one of the first two picks in the second round (No. 35), sharing the spotlight with Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner (No. 34 to Charlotte) .
His selection underscores a broader league trend where well-rounded, college-proven big men are trending in early second-rounder territory.
Teams increasingly value “NBA-ready” wings and post players capable of contributing on both ends—a conversation the Sixers appear to have embraced .
—
Projections & Role Evolution
Short Term
Expect Broome to contribute:
As part of the second-unit frontcourt, providing defensive boosts and physical rebounding.
In small-ball lineups with Embiid.
On the glass and interior defense, where he excels.
Long Term
Potential for expansion into:
A reliable two-way backup at the five.
An ability to move alongside stretch lineups if he develops perimeter skills.
A rotational piece by next season, assuming positional development and adaptability.
—
✅ Summary
The 76ers’ decision to pick Johni Broome at No. 35 reflects a strategic balance:
Immediate impact: Athletic, defensive, experienced big man to log minutes behind Embiid.
Cultural fit: High IQ, strong character, seeking readiness and positional depth.
Team-building consistency: Following the path set by Edgecombe (No. 3), Bona (2024), and a pick-structure focused on sustainable depth.
Broome arrives as a finished college standout, tasked with proving his worth through NBA minutes. He fills a clear organizational need and complements a backend-first asset-heavy strategy.
—
What’s Next?
Summer League & Training Camp: Key to evaluating his fit and readiness.
Preseason rotations: Will determine minutes sharing with Embiid, Bona, and other frontcourt pieces.
Fan & Analyst reaction: Local outlets like PhillyVoice and NBC Sports Philly praised the pick as a **“smart, culture-first addition”** .
—
Overall, though perhaps not headline grabbing, drafting Johni Broome at 35 appears a pragmatic decision—one rooted in immediate need, fit, and forward-thinking depth construction for the Sixers.
—
