The Philadelphia 76ers just made a bold, unorthodox, and electrifying move in the NBA Draft, selecting Auburn’s bruising big man Johni Broome. A name that may not have flooded mainstream draft boards, Broome is nevertheless a player with the kind of resume, toughness, and upside that screams “ready to contribute.” With fans and analysts split between shock and praise, the Sixers’ decision to take Broome marks a turning point—not only for their frontcourt depth but for the identity of a franchise hunting for grit, resilience, and postseason relevance.
For Johni Broome, this moment is the culmination of a journey that defies convention. From Morehead State to Auburn, from mid-major standout to SEC enforcer, Broome’s career has been defined by steady progression, consistent production, and an iron will to prove people wrong. Now, as he hears his name called on draft night by a team with championship aspirations, he’s bringing with him more than just rebounding and shot-blocking—he’s bringing an underdog mentality that fits perfectly in the city of Philadelphia.
At 6-foot-10, 240 pounds, Broome is an imposing physical presence. He has the kind of old-school toughness that jumps off the screen: relentless on the boards, fearless in the paint, and utterly unfazed by contact. He averaged 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game during his senior season with Auburn, leading the Tigers to another NCAA Tournament appearance. His stats are solid, but it’s his intangibles—his leadership, consistency, and defensive motor—that set him apart.
The Sixers are not just gambling on potential; they’re investing in character. This is a franchise that has dealt with years of volatility, from “The Process” to the heartbreaks of playoff exits, and now the burden of capitalizing on the primes of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Selecting Johni Broome doesn’t just patch a need in the frontcourt—it signals a cultural pivot. It’s about grit. It’s about guys who’ve had to earn every inch. And it’s about bringing in someone who knows what it means to be doubted.
Broome’s journey has been anything but typical. Coming out of high school, he wasn’t a five-star darling. He wasn’t trending on social media or being heralded as the next big thing. But what he was—and remains—is relentless. At Morehead State, he established himself quickly as one of the premier mid-major talents in the country. His sophomore season saw him average 16.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while anchoring a defense that ranked among the best in the Ohio Valley Conference. But he wanted more. He wanted to prove he could hang with the best.
Transferring to Auburn was a pivotal move in his development. Many questioned whether his game would translate to the physicality and speed of the SEC. Those doubts didn’t last long. Under Bruce Pearl’s guidance, Broome evolved into a legitimate force on both ends. He didn’t just survive in the SEC—he dominated, regularly posting double-doubles, defending the rim with ferocity, and becoming a central figure in Auburn’s success. His development into a legitimate pick-and-pop threat, with improved touch from midrange and even occasional threes, further expanded his offensive profile.
For Philadelphia, this pick offers numerous benefits. First, Broome is one of the most NBA-ready bigs in this class. While he may not have the flash or vertical pop of some younger prospects, he brings a fully formed skill set, elite defensive instincts, and the mental makeup to contribute from day one. With Joel Embiid often managing minutes and injuries, the Sixers have lacked a dependable second-unit big man who can stabilize the game when their MVP sits. Broome might be that guy—and more.
Secondly, Broome’s pick-and-roll defense is arguably among the best in the draft. He understands angles, communicates well, and knows when to drop or switch. That level of awareness is rare among rookie bigs, and it will be critical for a Sixers team that needs to clean up its perimeter containment. Combine that with his rebounding prowess and physicality, and he could find himself closing games faster than people expect.
The city of Philadelphia thrives on effort, accountability, and heart—traits Johni Broome embodies. The fanbase doesn’t care about hype; they care about hustle. They’ll fall in love with a player who dives on loose balls, who contests every shot, and who walks off the floor covered in sweat and bruises. Broome will be that kind of player. He’s not coming in to sell jerseys or win Instagram followers. He’s coming in to do the dirty work, to earn his spot, and to help win games.
There’s also a symbolic layer to this pick. In an era where front offices are often obsessed with “ceiling” and upside, the Sixers are making a statement by choosing a player with a high floor and elite motor. It’s a rejection of flash in favor of function. It’s a bet on maturity, coachability, and competitive fire. And in doing so, they may have landed one of the most underrated steals of the draft.
Those inside the Auburn program are not surprised. Bruce Pearl has often raved about Broome’s work ethic and leadership. Teammates respected him not just for his game, but for his selflessness and voice in the locker room. Opponents knew what they were getting when they faced him: a bruising, relentless presence who never took a play off. That consistency—game in, game out—is something NBA coaches value immensely. And with Nick Nurse at the helm in Philadelphia, Broome will have a coach who knows exactly how to deploy his tools.
It’s important to note that Broome is still improving. He’s added more finesse to his footwork, developed better touch on hook shots, and increased his comfort facing up from the elbow. He’s also shown willingness to shoot from the outside, going 34% from three on limited attempts—an area where he could grow even more in the NBA. But what makes Broome unique isn’t just what he is, but what he could become. He’s the kind of player who will get better every season. He’s never satisfied. And in a league that rewards adaptability, he has the mindset to thrive.
Critics may point to his athleticism or age as factors limiting his upside. But this draft is filled with question marks—raw projects who might or might not develop into stars. Broome isn’t one of those gambles. He’s a known quantity. He’s proven himself at every level. And he enters the NBA as someone who can defend, rebound, and score in the post from day one. For a contending team like Philadelphia, that’s priceless.
The draft is often about narratives. Some players are “can’t-miss” prospects. Others are “developmental projects.” But every year, there’s one pick that gets dismissed in the moment—only to be re-evaluated as a hidden gem months later. Johni Broome could be that guy in 2025. A player whose name might not have been headlining mock drafts, but whose game will make headlines when the season begins.
For Broome, the real work starts now. He’s made it to the league, but he’s not content to just be there. He wants to impact winning. He wants to earn his minutes. And most importantly, he wants to make every team that passed on him regret their decision. That chip on his shoulder isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s growing.
Philadelphia has embraced underdogs before—players who weren’t supposed to make it but did. T.J. McConnell. Robert Covington. Even Joel Embiid, doubted early in his career, proved everyone wrong. Broome now joins that legacy. He’s walking into a city that loves to rally behind toughness and effort. And if his college career is any indication, Philly is going to love Johni Broome.
As the lights dim on draft night and the social media debate begins to swirl, one thing is clear: the 76ers didn’t just draft a player—they drafted a fighter. In a league increasingly defined by speed, skill, and versatility, sometimes you still need someone who brings a hard hat to work. Johni Broome is that guy. And Philadelphia, a city built on passion and perseverance, may have just found its next blue-collar star.
