76ers dive headfirst into hottest NBA trend with V.J. Edgecombe selection

The 2025 NBA Finals featured two teams with pivotal guard depth, athleticism, and matchup versatility in the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. V.J. Edgecombe, who was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the third overall pick, checks all those boxes. With the arrival of Edgecombe, Philadelphia is at last following the blueprint that won Oklahoma City a championship less than a week ago.

Known for his explosive defensive playmaking and verticality, Edgecombe is heading to the City of Brotherly Love as arguably the best two-way guard in his draft class. The 19-year-old guard spent a lone season with the Baylor Bears, where he notched 15 points per game on 55.2% true shooting. Edgecombe also produced 5.6 rebounds per game, 3.2 assists per game, and 2.1 steals per game.

At the NBA Draft Combine, he recorded a maximum vertical leap of 38.5 inches, which ranked sixth amongst guards. Edgecombe also measured in at 6’ 4 barefoot and 193.2 pounds with a 6’ 7.50 wingspan. Regardless of his role in Philadelphia, he’ll need to put on more weight to handle the physicality of the NBA. This could also be the swing factor of Edgecombe potentially playing some small forward as well.

The 76ers back-court is stacked

As a day one contributor, Edgecombe will provide a defensive spark alongside a loaded 76ers back-court consisting of him, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and possibly Quentin Grimes. Since Philadelphia already boasts sound guard depth, many view the Baylor product as a redundant selection. However, Edgecombe can cover defensive ground that Maxey and McCain simply cannot. He recorded a defensive field-goal percentage of 28.6% when guarding pick-and-roll ball handlers and a 33.3% mark defending in isolation this season.

Some fans have labeled Edgecombe as the second coming of a player of Alex Caruso or Kris Dunn’s caliber, but that’s a disservice to his offensive upside. At the minimum, he’s capable of making timely cuts, which will be essential playing alongside Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George. There has been concern regarding Edgecombe’s perimeter shooting as he shot 34% from deep on 4.6 attempts per game at Baylor.

While the efficiency needs to improve, there’s reason to believe he’ll become a proficient floor-spacer. Edgecombe shot 47.6% from downtown utilizing screens this past season and playing with Philadelphia’s big three will only fetch him easier perimeter looks. The true concern regarding his offensive potential is his ability as an on-ball creator. 

Edgecombe struggled to get to the rim consistently as he is overly reliant on his athleticism to shed defenders. He converted on just 44.2% of layups in a half-court setting and cashed in only 25% of his pull-up jumpers at Baylor. Edgecombe will need to develop a better sense of pace, a tighter handle, and counters to maximize himself as an offensive threat. 

Is there too much guard overlap?

While he will inevitably overlap with Grimes if he re-signs with the 76ers, having multiple toolsy guards is a luxury. Oklahoma City and Indiana had postseason games swung in their favor this past season with key contributions from the likes of T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard,  Cason Wallace, and Aaron Wiggins. 

Philadelphia possessing two guards that can provide high-level ball pressure will be essential when facing the Jalen Brunsons and Donovan Mitchells of the world in the playoffs. The two have also shown flashes of being capable decision-makers who can keep the ball moving. In two of his four games played for the Bahamas National Team, Edgecombe recorded five or more assists. 

Since February, the 76ers have made it their mission to surround their core with younger, athletic players. Acquiring Edgecombe is a massive step in that direction and a wise long-term investment. The next step for Philadelphia is adding more versatile front-court players to complement its upgraded guard room.