The Philadelphia 76ers hold one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft — No. 22 — their own selection after trading other assets away in prior transactions. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman projects the 76ers to use the pick on Houston freshman Chris Cenac Jr., a 6’11” power forward who offers developing face-up skill alongside clear NBA-ready physical tools.

Cenac, a 19-year-old who measured 6’10” barefoot with a 7’5″ wingspan and a 240-pound frame at the combine, addressed one of the primary concerns about his profile by showing “enough evidence of motor” and asserting himself as a rebounder during his freshman year at Houston. Wasserman acknowledges flaws in Cenac’s statistical profile but calls him “a 19-year-old with his 6’10” (barefoot) size, 7’5″ wingspan, 240-pound frame, shooting confidence and motor” worth betting on. His shooting development will determine the ceiling, but the floor is a physical big who can guard multiple positions and rebound.

The opportunity cost at No. 22 is Ebuka Okorie, the Stanford guard Tankathon projects to Philadelphia at No. 22. Okorie, a 6’2″ freshman who finished seventh nationally in scoring, brings a more dynamic offensive game but significantly less physical presence. CBS Sports projects Cenac to Philly at No. 22 as well, making this one of the cleaner two-outlet agreements in the mid-first round. Yahoo Sports projects Luigi Suigo to Philadelphia at No. 22, reflecting the genuine chaos in this part of the draft with massive centers suddenly becoming attractive lottery options.

The 76ers enter this draft under extraordinary organizational uncertainty — general manager Daryl Morey was fired after the team was swept by the Knicks in the playoffs, and a new GM search is underway. Wasserman’s Cenac projection reflects a best-player-available philosophy that transcends whatever front office ultimately makes this call. Cenac at No. 22 is sensible regardless of organizational direction: he provides physical depth behind Joel Embiid and could ultimately play alongside Embiid in two-center lineups given his versatility.

Philadelphia’s one-pick draft is a product of years of aggressive maneuvering, both during the initial tank era and in subsequent win-now trades. With just the 22nd pick, the front office — whoever is ultimately in charge by draft night — needs to nail this selection. Cenac’s physical profile, youth, and projectable long-term role as a versatile big alongside Embiid make him a coherent, defensible choice that gives Philly a developmental asset without adding another high-floor, low-ceiling veteran who blocks the team’s already-complicated rebuild path.

Taking Cenac at No. 22 is the wise play for one reason above all others: the 76ers need frontcourt players who can grow alongside the team’s timeline rather than retire into it. A 19-year-old with Cenac’s wingspan and physical foundation who continues to develop as a shooter could be a legitimate rotation piece by the time Philadelphia’s next legitimate contention window opens. That long view is exactly what this franchise needs after years of short-term thinking.

Outlet	Projected Player
Bleacher Report	Chris Cenac Jr.
CBS Sports	Chris Cenac Jr.
Tankathon	Allen Graves
Yahoo Sports	Luigi Suigo