Philadelphia 76ers Linked to 'Enticing' Michigan Center in 2026 NBA Mock Draft

Chances are the Philadelphia 76ers and center Andre Drummond will go their separate ways this offseason. Drummond is set to hit free agency after the 2025-2026 campaign.

Although Philadelphia would likely welcome the two-time All-Star back, the 76ers have other free agents to prioritize re-signing, namely Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. The loss of Drummond, who is averaging 6.8 points and 8.7 rebounds on 50% shooting, will leave a void in the frontcourt.

If Drummond departs, that leaves just superstar Joel Embiid and second-year big man Adem Bona in the center room. Given the number of games Embiid misses each season, 76ers coach Nick Nurse needs more firepower than just Bona at the position.

Enter the 2026 NBA Draft, where the 76ers are projected to have a pick in the mid-20s due to the trade that sent Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Bleacher Report's newest mock draft links Philadelphia to Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara.

"Aday Mara had some eye-opening moments during Michigan's heavily-scouted game against Duke," B/R's Jonathan Wasserman wrote. "When he was able to showcase his passing, post touch and defensive paint presence."

Wasserman continued, "Those aspects of his game have been on display all season. Bad turnovers and dreadful free-throw shooting will turn teams off, but he's established himself as an enticing weapon for an NBA frontcourt as a 7'3" big who can facilitate, finish and protect the rim."

The pro comparison Bleacher Report provided for Mara is retired two-time All-Star Roy Hibbert.

Mara is a 7-foot-3, 255-pound center, who is averaging 11.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks on 66.7% shooting in 28 appearances for the Wolverines this season. It's worth noting he offers little production from the outside, as he's shooting just 28.6% from three-point range on seven attempts.

By no means does Mara have anywhere near Victor Wembanyama-level potential, but he's a reliable player on both ends of the floor with a good feel from the game.

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