Auburn All-American Johni Broome worked out for 11 NBA teams before this week’s draft. The Philadelphia 76ers were not among them. But Broome landed with Philadelphia on Thursday night as the 35th pick in the 79th NBA Draft.
“I talked to them at the combine, and we had a very good talk,” Broome said during a Thursday night appearance on SiriusXM. “Just how my schedule was, I wasn’t able to get out there (for a workout). But it’s a good group. I think I’m in a good situation. I walk into a very good team that I can help win games and get in the playoffs.”
A seven-season playoff run ended for Philadelphia in 2024-25 as the 76ers posted a 24-58 record. Seven-time All-Star and 2022-23 NBA MVP Joel Embiid played in only 19 games, and nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George missed half the schedule as injuries wrecked the Sixers’ season.
On Wednesday night, Philadelphia added Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick. The rookie figures to join Tyrese Maxey in the 76ers backcourt in the 2025-26 season.
In the frontcourt, Philadelphia has Embiid at center, George at small forward and a question mark at power forward.
“I’m able to learn from guys like Embiid at my position,” Broome 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.”
Kelly Oubre Jr., Guerschon Yabusele and Justin Edwards could join Broome as power-forward options and frontcourt depth for the 76ers next season.
Last season, the 6-foot-8 Oubre averaged 15.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 60 games, with 57 starts; the 6-foot-8 Yabusele averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 70 games, with 43 starts; and the 6-foot-6 Edwards averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 44 games, with 26 starts, for Philadelphia. Oubre has a player option to return to the Sixers next season, Yabusele is set to become a free agent next month and Philadelphia has a team option to bring back Edwards.
“I’m a winner,” the 6-foot-10 Broome told ESPN moments after being drafted. “I get things done offensively and defensively, so the Sixers got a good one.”
Broome attended the second round of the NBA Draft on Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“Being here, this is probably the most exciting moment of my life so far,” Broome said. “As a kid you always want to be drafted, hear your name called, put on the hat, so kind of going through the moment, I don’t know, it just feels surreal.”
During the 2024-25 college basketball season, Broome’s accolades included consensus first-team All-American, the SEC Player of the Year Award, the SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player Award, The Sporting News National Player of the Year Award, the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award and the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Award as he helped Auburn reach the Final Four of the NCAA tournament.
In his final season at Auburn, Broome averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 blocked shots in 36 games. He led the SEC in rebounds and blocked shots. His 389 rebounds set a school single-season record, and Broome left the Tigers ranked second in rebounds, third in blocked shots and eighth in points in Auburn history.
But the NBA wanted to see more from Broome, so he put his work on display again at the Draft Combine and in individual workouts for teams.
“It’s been a long two months, a long process,” Broome said, “but having everybody with me, it means a lot. And, man, I’m ready to get to Philly. I’m ready to work. This moment is amazing. I don’t even know how to act right now. I’m a Philadelphia 76er.”
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at@AMarkG1.