The Philadelphia 76ers kicked off the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick. The move was expected, as Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper were considered locks to be the first two picks in the draft.
Edgecombe is a dynamic athlete with outstanding defensive skills and growth potential on offense. According to J. Kyle Mann, writing for The Ringer, the Sixers have created an ideal environment for Edgecombe to succeed, allowing him to contribute across both offense and defense. With Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Jared McCain, and Quentin Grimes already established as key players in the team’s shot creation hierarchy, Edgecombe will fill in the gaps as his skills develop.
While not all experts are optimistic about Edgecombe’s offensive upside, they praise his athleticism, defensive potential, and two-way impact. Edgecombe will need to improve his handle, but with Maxey and McCain serving as primary initiators, he’ll face less pressure. The Sixers’ selection has raised expectations for Edgecombe, who could become a star in the making.
The Utah Jazz selected Rutgers wing Ace Bailey, considered a prospect under consideration by the 76ers, at No. 5 overall.
Source: https://www.phillyvoice.com/sixers-news-analysis-vj-edgecombe-stats-highlights-nba-draft-grades-roundup-ace-bailey