2026 NBA mock draft: Sixers take Koa Peat with the No. 22 overall pick

The Philadelphia 76ers now move forward under the guidance of Mike Gansey as the team's new President of Basketball Operations. The 2026 NBA draft is roughly two weeks away and the Sixers hold the No. 22 pick in the draft. The goal now is to make the right choice and continue their due diligence to prepare for June 23.

>This is considered one of the deeper drafts in recent history as the Sixers have a number of options to choose from with the selection. It's obvious that Philadelphia needs to add to a bench unit that struggled at times in the playoffs. There are players who will be in the No. 22 range who would help right away.

>A mock draft performed by The Athletic has the Sixers selecting Arizona big man Koa Peat with the pick:

Sources around the league are still trying to figure out what new head of basketball operations Mike Gansey’s type will be. So this pick might just be me wish-casting a bit, but I can’t imagine a better fit for both Peat and an organization. With Joel Embiid playing more consistently on the perimeter now, Peat could use his athleticism and strength to crash along the baseline and make smart plays while also providing tough defensive energy. The 76ers desperately need a four with some power to his game, and Peat brings that in a big way. I have Peat higher than this on my personal board, but sources across the league are unsure where he slots into the class.

Peat averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds along with 2.6 assists while with the Wildcats in the 2025-26 season. He only took 20 3-pointers, making seven of them, but if the Sixers were to select him, he would immediately be in the team's rotation backing up Embiid. There is a lot to like about Peat's game as he begins his NBA career.

>This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 2026 NBA mock draft: Sixers take Koa Peat with the No. 22 overall pick