Full Breakdown
Sixers Eye 22nd Pick in 2026 NBA Draft
5/14/2026, 9:08:08 PM
Core Event
Philadelphia 76ers hold the 22nd overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, prompting debate over which prospect best complements a roster built around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Background
After a tumultuous lottery, the NBA Draft Combine delivered fresh measurements and workouts that shaped mock drafts from ESPN, Yahoo Sports, The Ringer and The Athletic.
Prospect Profiles
- Allen Graves (Santa Clara, PF) – 6-7.75´´ barefoot, 7-0´´ wingspan, 8-10.25´´ standing reach; smooth offensive game, advanced ball handling, likened to Nic Batum.
- Henri Veesaar (North Carolina, C) – Third-year big, >40 % three-point shooting, perimeter skill set, capable of backing up Embiid.
- Cameron Carr (Baylor, SG) – 6-4.5´´ barefoot, 7-7.5´´ wingspan, elite off-ball shooter, rim protector, longest wingspan-to-height ratio among wings; needs weight and development.
- Amari Allen (Alabama, Wing) – 6-5.25´´ barefoot, ~205 lb, 6-8´´ wingspan; “Swiss-army-knife” playmaker, low turnover, 34 % from three, 74 % FT, compared to Josh Hart.
Data & Statistics
Graves averaged 1.9 steals per game at Santa Clara. Veesaar shot over 40 % from three in college. Carr posted 49.4 % field-goal and 37.4 % three-point percentages in the combine scrimmage. Allen recorded 34 % from three and 74 % from the free-throw line.
Official Statements & Responses
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo projects Graves for his size and fluid offense. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor favors Veesaar’s shooting and experience. The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann and Danny Chau argue Carr offers length and two-way upside. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie backs Allen for his versatile skill set and low turnover rate.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Graves faces questions about competition level and NBA readiness. Veesaar’s draft stock has slipped, raising doubts about using a high pick on a center. Carr’s developmental timeline may delay impact, while Allen’s modest shooting percentages temper expectations. The four mocks disagree on the optimal choice, leaving no clear consensus.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At 22, Woo slots in Santa Clara’s Allen Graves over names like Koa Peat, Isaiah Evans, Dailyn Swain and Amari Allen.” — Jeremy Woo, ESPN
- “O’Connor has the Sixers selecting Henri Veesaar, an experienced third-year big out of North Carolina.” — Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo Sports
- “Kyle Mann and Danny Chau are manning their draft board this cycle, and they currently have the Sixers selecting Cameron Carr at 22.” — J. Kyle Mann and Danny Chau, The Ringer
- “In his mock, Vecenie has the Sixers selecting Amari Allen at 22, over names such as Graves, Joshua Jefferson and Yessoufou.” — Sam Vecenie, The Athletic
Why It Matters
A forward like Graves would add floor spacing; Veesaar could shore up front-court depth if Embiid’s health declines; Carr provides a length-focused wing for spacing; Allen offers a low-turnover, versatile wing suited to a defensive system.
What’s Next
The combine runs through the week, after which Philadelphia will weigh final measurements, medical reports and roster needs before the draft on June 27.
