The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a treasure trove of talent, and the Sixers, armed with a fresh first-round pick from the trade deadline, are keenly eyeing March Madness for potential gems. With an eye on bolstering their lineup, especially behind the powerhouse Joel Embiid, let's dive into some standout center prospects that Sixers fans should keep on their radar.
Chris Cenac Jr. | 6-11 Forward | Houston
Chris Cenac Jr. is a dynamic big man with a 7'4" wingspan, showcasing impressive mobility and coordination. His defensive prowess is evident in his versatility, rim protection, and ability to cover ball screens.
Offensively, Cenac is a mixed bag of inside-out scoring, face-up drives, and lob finishes, with a growing touch around the rim. His knack for transitioning from defense to offense with advanced passes hints at significant upside.
However, to withstand the NBA's physicality, Cenac needs to bulk up. His shooting from beyond the arc and the free-throw line has been hit-or-miss, areas he'll need to refine.
As a modern hybrid defender, Cenac could fill a gap for the Sixers, potentially even complementing Embiid if his perimeter game matures. Think of him as a potential Jaren Jackson Jr. in the making.
Aday Mara | 7-3 Center | Michigan
Aday Mara is a towering playmaker with an uncanny ability to facilitate from the high post and elbow. His high basketball IQ is complemented by his rebounding and rim protection skills.
Despite his 7’3” stature, Mara's lack of explosiveness and occasional turnover issues when handling the ball are concerns. His lateral mobility also raises questions about his fit in a fast-paced system.
For the Sixers, Mara could offer a unique contrast to Embiid-a massive, playmaking center capable of orchestrating the second-unit offense. His short-roll passing could energize bench lineups, though defensive schemes would need to mask his slower foot speed. As a late first-round pick, Mara presents a high-value gamble with considerable upside.
Henri Veesaar | 7-0 Center | North Carolina
Henri Veesaar is a skilled, mobile big man with legitimate stretch potential. Confident in his mid-range shot and improving from long distance, Veesaar can keep the offense fluid by attacking closeouts. Yet, he'll need to work on finishing through contact and enhancing his physicality on the boards.
Veesaar's ability to fit into a five-out system could elevate a pace-and-space offense. His shooting and mobility would synergize with Tyrese Maxey’s dribble-drive game, offering pick-and-pop options that current backups lack. As a stretch-big project with first-round potential, Veesaar could be a developmental asset for the Sixers.
Malachi Moreno | 7-0 Center | Kentucky
Kentucky's Malachi Moreno has been a force as a freshman, showcasing efficient finishing, rebounding, and rim protection. Averaging 8.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks with a 58.3 field-goal percentage, Moreno has the makings of a high-efficiency, low-volume player with defensive upside.
However, Moreno occasionally struggles against bigger, stronger opponents. His slender frame, reminiscent of a young Joel Embiid, means he can be outmuscled by more developed big men. If Moreno shines during March Madness and enters the draft, he could be a developmental target for the Sixers, bringing promising rim-protecting instincts.
Flory Bidunga | 6-9 Center | Kansas
Flory Bidunga, a defense-first center/forward from Kansas, has thrived alongside potential top pick Darryn Peterson. Averaging 13.5 points and leading his conference in field goal percentage and blocks, Bidunga's athleticism and defensive skills stand out.
Though undersized for a center and lacking a three-point shot, Bidunga's athleticism makes him an intriguing late first-round pick. If the Sixers move on from Andre Drummond, Bidunga could be a worthwhile gamble, especially if he and Kansas make a deep tournament run.
With these promising prospects on display, the NCAA Tournament offers the Sixers a prime opportunity to assess potential fits at center as they gear up for a crucial offseason.