Before the 2025NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for theSixers at Nos. 3 and 35. Next up in this series is Saint Joseph’s Rasheer Fleming.
The modern NBA places a premium on long, versatile players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. When it comes to length and defensive range, few prospects stand out like Rasheer Fleming, a projected first-round pick. With rumors circulating that the Sixers might be open to trading down, Fleming becomes a particularly intriguing option.
Should Philadelphia finally draft a homegrown talent? Someone who basically grew up in their own backyard, something fans have been clamoring for years? Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating prospect that is Rasheer Fleming.
Profile
2024-25 Stats: 35 games, 31.3 minutes, 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.5 blocks, 53.1 FG%, 39 3P%, 74.3 FT%
Team: Saint Joseph
Year: Junior
Position: F
Height and Weight: 6’8.25” (without shoes) and 232.4 pounds
Born: July 10, 2004 (20 years old)
Hometown: Camden, New Jersey
Strengths
At nearly 6-foot-9 with a wiry, athletic frame and an exceptional 7-5 wingspan, Fleming brings elite physical tools that project well at the next level. His size, length and fluid mobility allow him to slot in comfortably at either the power forward or small-ball center position — roles that demand versatility and adaptability in today’s NBA.
Defensively, Fleming is a standout. He combines his physical gifts with a high motor and relentless energy, making him a constant presence on the glass, in passing lanes, and as a rim protector. Averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.4 steals per game as a junior, he has proven himself as a disruptive force with excellent anticipation and instincts. His timing as a weak-side helper is advanced, and he excels at closing out on shooters without overcommitting or fouling. Thanks to his length and quick recovery speed, Fleming routinely erases mistakes and covers ground exceptionally well, allowing him to switch onto wings or contest shots in space with confidence. His defensive profile suggests he could eventually anchor small-ball lineups or operate in switch-heavy schemes at the professional level.
On the offensive end, Fleming’s development has been just as impressive — particularly as a shooter. After shooting just 32% from three as a freshman, he made a massive leap in efficiency and volume, converting 39.0% of his threes as a sophomore on 4.5 attempts per game, and knocking down 62 total triples — nearly doubling his output from the previous season. His shooting stroke is smooth, repeatable, and well-balanced, with mechanics that project well beyond the college arc. He’s comfortable popping off pick-and-rolls, trailing in transition, and spotting up in the corners, giving coaches flexibility to use him in a variety of floor-spacing roles.
Fleming also brings underrated value as a secondary playmaker. He has shown the ability to make quick reads and connect plays within the flow of the offense, demonstrating improved court vision and passing acumen. Combined with his rebounding prowess and ability to run the floor, Fleming becomes a valuable two-way contributor who fits seamlessly into the pace-and-space principles of the modern NBA.
Perhaps most notably, he plays with a competitive edge and relentless activity level that amplifies his impact. Whether he’s contesting shots, chasing down rebounds, or sprinting the floor in transition, Fleming never stops moving. That kind of motor, paired with his rapidly evolving skill set, gives him legitimate upside as a modern, stretch-forward with two-way potential.
Weaknesses
While Rasheer Fleming’s physical tools and two-way upside are compelling, there are still several areas of his game that remain underdeveloped and will require refinement to succeed at the next level.
Offensively, shot creation remains a major question mark. Fleming struggles to generate looks for himself, both in the half-court and in isolation. His handle is relatively limited, and he lacks a go-to move — either in the post or off the dribble — that would allow him to exploit mismatches or punish slower defenders. As a result, he tends to rely heavily on guards to set him up, and his off-ball awareness can drift, particularly during stagnant possessions. His role, at least initially in the NBA, will likely be that of a complementary finisher and spacer, rather than a focal point of the offense.
Playmaking and decision-making are also areas of concern. Despite some flashes of passing feel, Fleming’s assist-to-turnover ratio (1.3 to 1.5) reflects ongoing issues with processing speed and control under pressure. He can force plays, telegraph passes, or lose his handle when swarmed by defenders — leading to empty possessions. In tight moments, his composure can waver, which limits his ability to be trusted as a secondary or tertiary creator.
Defensively, while his tools are elite, discipline and technique remain inconsistent. Fleming has a tendency to gamble on reach-ins or arrive late on contests, occasionally giving up unnecessary fouls or open looks. His lateral quickness, while solid for his size, is not yet at an elite level — raising questions about his ability to consistently stay in front of quicker, perimeter-based fours in the NBA. Without improved defensive footwork and base stability, especially when closing out or defending in space, he could struggle in high-level switch-heavy defensive schemes.
Another factor to consider is age and competition level. Fleming turns 21 just weeks after the draft — not old by any means, but slightly more experienced than some of the younger, one-and-done prospects projected in the same range. That age gap may slightly cap his perceived upside, especially when combined with the context of having played in the Atlantic 10, a mid-major conference. While his production was impressive, some scouts are cautious, wondering whether his numbers are inflated by the level of competition. These concerns are amplified by a stretch of quiet performances late in the season, when opposing defenses keyed in on him. The lack of consistent impact during that stretch has raised questions about fatigue, adaptability, and game-to-game motor.
Overall, Fleming is a promising and physically gifted prospect, but his game will need polish. Sharpening his ball-handling, decision-making under pressure, and defensive fundamentals will be key if he’s to fully realize his potential as a rotation-level forward — or more — in the NBA.
Potential Fit in Philly
Fleming’s blend of length, defensive versatility, and emerging floor-spacing makes him an intriguing fit for the Philadelphia 76ers, particularly if the team is exploring trade-down (or up from round two) scenarios in the upcoming draft. With the Sixers prioritizing depth, two-way contributors, and long-term upside around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Fleming checks several boxes.
First and foremost, his defensive versatility aligns with head coach Nick Nurse’s aggressive, switch-heavy schemes. Nurse has consistently leaned on multi-positional defenders who can operate in space, protect the rim, and rotate with precision — traits that Fleming shows strong potential to develop. With his 7-5 wingspan and high motor, Fleming could become a disruptive force defending the 4 or small-ball 5, allowing the Sixers to deploy more flexible lineups without sacrificing rim protection or perimeter coverage.
On the offensive end, Fleming’s growing ability to space the floor fits seamlessly alongside Embiid, who benefits from playing next to stretch forwards that can keep defenders honest. His comfort trailing in transition, popping out of pick-and-rolls, or spotting up from the corners would give Maxey and Embiid more room to operate inside. And while he’s not a shot creator yet, the Sixers don’t need him to be — especially if he commits to playing within his role and continues to improve his shooting mechanics and off-ball movement.
Additionally, Philadelphia’s frontcourt rotation lacks a young, athletic forward with defensive upside who can grow into a long-term role. Guerschon Yabusele may be in line to take on significant minutes at the four, but he’s not necessarily a long-term solution. Rasheer Fleming’s versatility — with the ability to slide between both forward spots or even play as a small-ball five in up-tempo lineups — offers the Sixers a valuable developmental piece with real two-way potential.
There’s also a compelling local angle that could appeal to both fans and the organization. As a Camden native, Fleming literally grew up in the Sixers’ backyard. With fans and media long calling for the franchise to take a chance on homegrown talent, this would represent a full-circle moment — and a potential culture win. Drafting a local prospect with upside could energize the fanbase, especially if the team is building around a younger core moving forward.
That said, expectations should be managed. Fleming’s development will hinge on refining his handle, learning to make quicker reads, and maintaining defensive discipline, all areas that could benefit from time in the G League or in a low-usage bench role. But if given a clear developmental plan, support, and patience, Fleming has the tools to emerge as a valuable rotation player — and potentially more — in a playoff-caliber system.
In many ways, Fleming represents the kind of bet the Sixers haven’t often made in recent years: a toolsy, high-upside forward with the ability to grow into a two-way contributor over time. Given the current cap situation, the need to develop cost-controlled talent, and the desire to modernize their roster construction, Rasheer Fleming could be a smart long-term investment — especially if selected later in the first round after a strategic trade-down.
Draft Projection
SB Nation mock draft: No. 29, Phoenix Suns
In this mock draft, the Phoenix Suns land Rasheer Fleming at the end of the first round — a pick that would represent excellent value. Fleming could contribute immediately with his rim protection and defensive activity, especially on a Suns roster that currently lacks a true interior presence. If they retain Kevin Durant, pairing him with Fleming would give Phoenix two long, rangy forwards capable of boosting their struggling defense and helping on the glass.
Projecting Fleming’s draft range remains tricky, as mock drafts have him slotted anywhere from the late lottery to the back end of the first round. Still, it feels safe to pencil him in as a first-round selection, given how well he checks the boxes most teams prioritize: switchability, rebounding, defense, floor-spacing, and motor. The only question now is which team will be the first to take a swing on the St. Joe’s standout.