Sixers select Johni Broome with 35th pick, filling a need and taking a chance on Auburn star
Selecting the second-rounder could be a smart hedge at power forward because the Sixers could have a tough time re-signing Guerschon Yabusele in free agency.
NEW YORK — The 76ers selected Johni Broome with the 35th pick in the NBA draft on Thursday at the Barclays Center. And the post player couldn’t be more pleased.
“I’m able to learn from guys like [Joel] Embiid at my position,” he said. “He’s the MVP. Get in there, pick his brain. You know, play with the great guards. I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
» READ MORE: Sixers select VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA draft
He’s also excited to meet with the coaches and compete in Philadelphia and embrace the opportunity.
The 6-foot-10, 235-pounder averaged 18.6 points and 10.8 rebounds this past season at Auburn, which ended in a loss in the Final Four. The fifth-year senior was the Sporting News Player of the Year. He also won the Pete Newell Big Man Award and the Karl Malone Award and was the SEC Player of the Year.
Broome, 22, began his career at Morehead State in Kentucky. He averaged 15.4 points and 9.8 rebounds during his two seasons there before transferring to Auburn.
The Florida native could be a solid pickup because the Sixers might have a tough time re-signing Guerschon Yabusele in free agency.
Two years ago, Broome went through the predraft process before opting to head back to school. That’s when he first met with the Sixers. So he has an idea of what the team will expect from him.
“They told me what they like about me, and what I need to work on at college,” Broome said. “I came back ... and they were impressed with the jump I made. They are excited about the things I can do that’s going to translate, making plays, obviously, defensively and my touch around the rim, and my playmaking, rebounding at a high level. They are excited about all those things.”
» READ MORE: A tender moment amidst a mother’s tears shows Sixers got more than a game-changing athlete in VJ Edgecombe
Broome is a physical player and productive inside-outside threat with a solid feel for the game. However, he dropped to the second round because he still needs to improve defensively and of a perceived lack of athleticism. Broome also was a 30.2% career three-point shooter.
Broome also dealt with ankle and elbow injuries late in the NCAA Tournament. But he doesn’t think that will hinder him moving forward. He sustained those injuries in the Tigers’ Elite Eight victory over Michigan State. He re-entered the game, but wasn’t at full strength.
“I was a little banged up during the season,” he said. “I give credit to my agency, CAA, for recovering me the right way. So I’m back [to] playing 100 percent. I think going about it the right way was the best for my process and now the draft process. Now, I’m injury-free.”
Broome may get an opportunity to develop his skills this season as the only traditional power forward.
» READ MORE: Daryl Morey says Joel Embiid is ‘on track’ to return around the start of training camp
He’s in the rookie class alongside VJ Edgecombe, whom the Sixers selected with the third pick on Wednesday. They took the 6-4 shooting guard from Baylor over Ace Bailey, who dropped to fifth to the Utah Jazz.
“Being here, this is probably the most excited moment of my life, so far,” Broome said. “I don’t really know what to think. As a kid, you always want to get drafted to hear your name called, put the hat on.
“So kind of going through the moment, I don’t know, it’s surreal.”