With the 2025-2026 NBA season in the rearview for the Philadelphia 76ers, they now have to start thinking about what to do with their No. 22 pick from the Houston Rockets next month.
While the Jared McCain trade back in February is infamous in Philadelphia, the primary acquisition from the returning package hasn’t translated to a player just yet.
The Sixers could flip the selection for something other than an incoming rookie at No. 22, but they are going through the proper recruiting process with intentions of making a selection for the time being.
In The Athletic’s first post-lottery mock draft, the 76ers were linked to an Alabama prospect with a comp to New York Knicks forward, Josh Hart.
NBA Mock Draft Delivers Alabama Prospect To The Sixers
GettyNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 13: Jalil Bethea #1 and Amari Allen #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide look on during the first half against the Ole Miss Rebels in the quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Amari Allen, a 20-year-old wing out of ‘Bama, could be an option on Daryl Morey’s board when late June rolls around.
“Allen is a terrific Swiss Army knife wing who excites scouts,” The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie writes.
“…Like a younger Josh Hart, he does a little bit of everything without truly excelling in an area outside of rebounding. But NBA teams are always looking for wings who can dribble, pass and shoot while providing at least solid size on the defensive end.”
What Did Amari Allen Bring To ‘Bama?
GettyBIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 16: Amari Allen #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide works to the basket during the second against Robert McCray V #6 of the Florida State Seminoles at Boutwell Auditorium on October 16, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
The NCAA freshman appeared in 32 games in 2025-2026. He started in 24 of those matchups, seeing the court for 28.2 minutes per outing.
The young forward attempted 8.5 shots per game, with 4.3 of them coming deep. Allen hit on 44.6% of his field goals and knocked down 34.1% of his threes. He posted averages of 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2026 in New York City.
The Hart comparison can’t be considered spot-on until Allen’s got some years in the game, but it’s an intriguing description. Hart entered the NBA at 22, starting his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He had stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and the Portland Trail Blazers before joining the Knicks.
Throughout four seasons with the Knicks, Hart averaged 11.5 points while shooting 36.2% from three. He came down with 8.3 rebounds per game and dished out 4.8 assists per game throughout his Knicks stint.