And just like that, the pick is in. With the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select guard VJ Edgecombe out of Baylor.
After much push-and-pull in recent weeks, the 76ers have finally made up their mind, taking Edgecombe over Ace Bailey and putting a lot of fans at ease. Daryl Morey and his crew certainly made this selection on the strength of pure merits, and now, the franchise will usher in a potential cornerstone for the future.
For now, the 76ers appear to be holding on to their decision, although things can still change in view of the litany of moves that have already transpired as of late. Elton Brand and his crew must still be on their phones, taking and tendering offers before the night ends.
But for some bit of history, this selection actually finalizes a forgotten trade the 76ers made years ago which actually had a drastic impact on their outlook this summer.
76ers officially finalize a forgotten trade from 2020 with their latest draft pick
Back in 2020, the 76ers made a determined switch-up by trading Al Horford to the Thunder for Danny Green and Terrance Ferguson. That deal also had Philly sending their 2025 first-round pick to OKC, although as everyone knows by now, that selection did not convey as it had a light top-six protection.
Given that development, that pick will turn into a top-four protected pick next year (and again in 2027 if that does not convey), but that is unlikely to be of much value if we’re being realistic. The 76ers are most likely not going to be terrible enough to be in a position of regret next season, and even with only slightly better luck in the health department, they should be able to easily make the playoffs given the East’s current state of affairs.
To clarify, the 76ers will still most likely send out a first-round pick next season using that same logic. And while it may be superficial in hindsight, Philly ultimately pulled off a savvy move five years ago when they dumped Horford, who was simply a poor fit next to Joel Embiid. Meanwhile, Green’s stint with the franchise was short-lived, but he was a key starter for a year and allowed the team to play a more sustainable and modern style of offense.
With that chapter now officially closed, the Philadelphia 76ers can look forward to what will come next as they plan their post-draft strategy. Hopefully, that will primarily consist of the front office doing whatever it takes to make the roster as foolproof as possible for their comeback bid next season.