Sixers' 2024-25 tank job inspires 2026 NBA Draft plans

Philadelphia's tanking season led to landing the No. 3 pick and VJ Edgecombe, now a standout rookie.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Philadelphia 76ers' dismal 2024-25 season, when they tanked to keep their first-round pick, has become an inspiration for other teams looking to land a top draft selection in 2026. The Sixers' 24-58 record that year allowed them to draft VJ Edgecombe, who is now thriving as a rookie. Other teams are eyeing a similar strategy to secure a high pick in the stacked 2026 NBA Draft.

Why it matters

The Sixers' tanking strategy paid off, as they landed a potential star in Edgecombe at No. 3 overall. This has shown other teams that a purposeful tank job can be worth it, especially when the incoming draft class is considered top-heavy with talent. Teams on the playoff bubble are now more incentivized to miss the postseason in hopes of securing a high lottery pick.

The details

The Sixers knew they were headed nowhere in 2024-25 after injuries to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. With their first-round pick protected within the top six, Philly leaned into the tank and finished 24-58, landing the No. 3 overall selection. They used that pick to draft VJ Edgecombe, who has emerged as a standout rookie. The success of Edgecombe and other top-six picks from last year has inspired other teams to consider a similar tanking strategy to secure a high lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which is expected to be stacked with talent.

  • The Sixers finished the 2024-25 season with a 24-58 record.
  • Philly landed the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
  • The Sixers selected VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick, and he has emerged as a standout rookie in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Joel Embiid

A two-time MVP and the centerpiece of the Sixers' roster.

Paul George

A former three-time All-Star who struggled with injuries in the 2024-25 season.

Tyrese Maxey

A key member of the Sixers' core who suffered a notable injury in the 2024-25 season.

VJ Edgecombe

The Sixers' 2025 first-round pick, who has emerged as a standout rookie.

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What they’re saying

“Just as fresh in the memory for many teams is what Philadelphia did last season: The Sixers tanked so hard — in the face of considerable skepticism that they actually could lose to the degree that they did to go from 20-29 to 24-58 — that Philly turned its 4-29 finish into the lottery pick that became V.J. Edgecombe at No. 3.”

— Marc Stein, NBA Insider (NBA Insider)

What’s next

The Sixers are currently 30-22 and in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, showing that their tanking strategy has paid off with the emergence of Edgecombe as a promising young player.

The takeaway

The Sixers' successful tanking strategy in the 2024-25 season has inspired other teams to consider a similar approach, especially with a highly anticipated 2026 NBA Draft class on the horizon. This highlights the ongoing debate around tanking in professional sports and the potential rewards it can bring for teams willing to embrace a rebuilding year.