The Philadelphia 76ers have experienced significant roster turnover over the years, particularly since the era of strategic tanking known as "The Process." Despite the presence of Joel Embiid, the team has struggled to maintain continuity, a characteristic often associated with perennial contenders. This instability extends to their draft picks, with the front office frequently relying on external talent to bolster the roster. However, this season marks an exception, as the 76ers currently feature five players they originally drafted.

One former draft pick, Filip Petrusev, is aiming to make a comeback in the NBA after a brief stint with the franchise. Selected as the 50th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Petrusev expressed his desire to return to the league as soon as possible, stating, "I would love to return to the NBA, and hopefully as soon as possible. It’s always better to go there earlier rather than waiting until the later years of your career. I didn’t have much luck in Philadelphia... Just when I started getting some minutes, the trade happened and everything fell apart.”

Despite being a highly regarded prospect from Serbia, Petrusev's NBA experience was limited. At 25 years old, he hopes to reignite his NBA career after playing only three games – two with the 76ers and one with the Kings, who waived him early last season. He spent the last two seasons in the Euroleague. He profiles as a floor-stretching big who offers a valuable skill set given today’s league trends.

Petrusev has also become a key player for the Serbian Men's National Basketball Team. To facilitate a potential NBA return, his Euroleague contracts have included NBA-out clauses. While his time in the NBA was short, Petrusev's potential suggests he deserves another opportunity. Whether or not the 76ers provide that chance, his talent warrants consideration from other teams.