Sixers to pick 3rd overall in 2015 NBA Draft

The 31st annual edition of the NBA Draft Lottery was held tonight and for the second straight year, the Philadelphia 76ers were awarded the third overall pick. Entering the lottery, the Sixers had a 15.59% chance of landing the third selection.

This marks the fourth time the Sixers have held the third overall pick. Last year, the Sixers used the third overall selection on center Joel Embiid, who was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman for Kansas in 2013-14.

The third overall pick has produced several marquee players over the years, including Nate Thurmond, Pete Maravich, Kevin McHale, Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway and Grant Hill. More recent third-pick alumni include Baron Davis, Pau Gasol, Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams, Al Horford, James Harden and Bradley Beal.

The Sixers also own five second rounds picks heading into the upcoming draft: 35th, 37th, 47th, 58th and 60th. Some notable former second round picks from teams that reached the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals this year include: Trevor Ariza (43rd pick in 2004), Matt Barnes (45th pick in 2002), Glen Davis (35th pick in 2007), Marc Gasol (48th in 2007), Marcin Gortat (57th pick in 2005), Draymond Green (35th pick in 2012), DeAndre Jordan (35th pick in 2008), Kyle Korver (51st pick in 2003) and Paul Millsap (47th pick in 2006).