For the second consecutive year, the Philadelphia 76ers have used a second-round pick to bolster their roster with a center. On Thursday night, the team selected the talented left-handed big man, Johni Broome, with the 35th overall pick in the NBA Draft. This strategic choice follows the addition of Adem Bona at No. 41 in 2024, reflecting the Sixers' commitment to enhancing their frontcourt.
Johni Broome comes off an outstanding final season at Auburn University, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to the Final Four. His performance earned him unanimous recognition as a First Team All-American, showcasing his dominance on the court. During his last college season, Broome averaged an impressive 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game, highlighting his all-around skills.
One of Broome's standout attributes is his exceptional rebounding ability. Known for being a physical and strong player, he has a remarkable talent for locating the ball and securing rebounds. This skill set is crucial for the Sixers as they look to improve their interior presence and overall team performance.
When comparing Broome to his fellow prospect Adem Bona, it becomes evident that while Broome is more advanced offensively, he is less athletic. During the NBA Draft Combine, Broome's athletic testing results raised concerns; he recorded the second-worst maximum vertical leap at 28.0 inches and the fourth-worst shuttle run time at 3.23 seconds. Additionally, at 6-foot-9.25 inches without shoes and weighing 249 pounds, he is smaller than the average center in the league.
At just 22 years old, Broome is a mature and battle-tested prospect, having spent two seasons at Morehead State before transferring to Auburn for three more seasons. His offensive repertoire is diverse, encompassing skills in passing, finishing, and rebounding. Over the last two seasons, he has shown willingness to shoot three-pointers, although his success rate has varied; he shot 35.4 percent on long-range attempts in the 2023-24 season, dropping to 27.8 percent in the 2024-25 season. Nevertheless, his willingness to take the shot indicates a player ready to evolve.
After the Philadelphia 76ers endured a disappointing 24-58 season last year, Broome is eager to earn playing time and prove that his strength and basketball IQ can translate effectively to the NBA. In an interview with Monica McNutt on the ESPN broadcast, he confidently stated, “I’m a winner. I get things done offensively and defensively. The Sixers got a good one.” With this mindset, Broome aims to make a significant impact in his rookie season and help the Sixers turn their fortunes around.
