The latest 2026 NBA mock draft from FanSided sees the Philadelphia 76ers select Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II.
The Philadelphia 76ers' backup centers this season are Andre Drummond and Adem Bona.
It's entirely possible Drummond decides to depart in free agency this offseason, which would leave just Bona to support often sidelined superstar Joel Embiid. The point being, Philadelphia's front office should look to invest in a complementary big man for Embiid this summer.
One method of doing so could be the 2026 NBA Draft, as the 76ers have the Houston Rockets' first-round pick because of the trade that sent Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder. McCain is thriving in Oklahoma City, but that's an entirely different storyline going on for Philadelphia.
FanSided's latest mock draft links Philadelphia to Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba II, seeing him selected by the 76ers with the No. 24 pick.
"The Sixers' backup center question haunts them every offseason. There never seems to be a sufficient answer, but Patrick Ngongba might do the trick," FanSided's Christopher Kline wrote. "...He's not flashy, but Ngongba gets the job done with force and skill."
Ngongba is a 6-foot-11, 250-pound big man who is averaging 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 60.2% shooting in 29 games this season. It's worth noting the sophomore center isn't able to stretch the floor, as he's knocking down just 27.6% of his shots from the arc on 29 total attempts.
The reality is there isn't much that's exciting about Ngongba's style of play. However, he's an efficient center with sound fundamentals on both ends of the floor.
On the offensive end, he uses his strength and size to finish inside while he is clearly working to expand his arsenal to moves outside the paint. Defensively, he's not the fastest or most athletic, which can lead to problems defending on the perimeter, but he's a force to be reckoned with on the interior.
If drafted by Philadelphia, Ngongba would have the opportunity to learn from one of the NBA's most talented centers in Embiid.
Join The 76ersRoundtable Community
Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button under the featured story... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.