The Sixers secured the third pick in Monday night's draft lottery. Bailey's athleticism and elite scoring could benefit a roster without much flexibility.

Rutgers star Ace Bailey models his offensive game after a trio of standout NBA scorers. At the NBA draft combine, Bailey cited the Philadelphia 76ers' Paul George and Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum as inspirations for their shot creation. He also loves the mid-range ability of Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant:

From V.J. Edgecombe to Ace Bailey to Tre Johnson to a trade, the Sixers will have plenty of optionality when it comes to pick No. 3 in the 2025 NBA Draft.

They weren't alone. The team also let go of a number of other staffers, including members of the communications staff.

In O'Connor's post-Lottery mock, the Sixers select Ace Bailey out of Rutgers, the guard who averaged 17.6 points per game in his lone season with the Scarlet Knights. Explaining the pick, O'Connor expands on the difficult decision facing the Sixers' front office.

The Philadelphia 76ers now officially own the third pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. Coming into the evening, selecting fifth overall with the danger of losing their pick should it fall out of the top six, the Sixers are surely thrilled with the result despite likely missing out on the projected top two talents in this draft.