The Philadelphia 76ers made a shocking selection with the No. 35 pick in the NBA draft, and fans are not happy. Philadelphia used the fifth pick of Thursday’s second round to select Auburn standout Johni Broome.
The 76ers passed on French center Maxime Raynaud, who was considered the second-best available player remaining after the first round, according to NBC Sports.
Philadelphia announced the selection of Broome on X on Thursday.
with the 35th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select Johni Broome! 👏
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) June 27, 2025
Fans flooded the replies with their reactions. Most expressed frustration about the pick.
”Worst pick of the draft. I wish I was kidding he is so ass”
”Horrible pick. Horrible.”
”Bruh”
”Why not Maxims Reynaud brooooooo”
“🗑️”
Still, some had positive things to say about Broome being drafted to Philadelphia.
”2 for 2. First time ever. Broome has a motor and we need some toughness. Good pick.”
”consider me a fan🙂↕️”
Comparing Maxime Raynaud and Johni Broome
If Philadelphia wanted to secure a center with the No. 35 pick, Maxime Raynaud seemed like the more obvious choice. The 22-year-old Stanford star was the No. 26-ranked prospect on ESPN’s 2025 NBA big board, while Auburn’s Johni Broome was ranked at No. 40.
Both Raynaud and Broome are efficient, experienced centers with NBA-ready maturity. In his final season at Stanford, Raynaud led the Cardinal in points (20.2 ppg), rebounds (10.6 rpg) and blocks (1.4 bpg). He knocked down 46.7% of his shots, including 34.7% from three.
Broome led his Auburn team in the same three stat categories, contributing 18.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg and 2.1 bpg. He shot 51% but found less success from beyond the arc, averaging 27.8%.
At 7’1”, Raynaud is a more sizable center than Broome, who stands 6’10”. Raynaud is praised for his overall skill with a focus on his footwork, scoring efficiency and intensity.
Broome’s comfort in the paint made him stand out in this draft class, but Raynaud was viewed as the better center. The 76ers’ decision to draft Broome to fill the center gap in their roster has divided fans.
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