After months of waiting, the highly anticipated 2025 NBA Draft is almost here. The Philadelphia 76ers have no excuses not to nail their selection, as they are currently slotted in an enviable position, picking third overall.
The 76ers are believed to have zeroed in on two prospects from which they will make their selection — Rutgers star Ace Bailey and Baylor standout VJ Edgecombe. But so far, given what has transpired as of late, the 76ers appear more likely to take the latter, who has been a much more stable prospect outside of the hardwood action.
However, Philly’s draft decision at No. 3 could very well turn out to be a much more complicated one, especially given what has recently unfolded during Edgecombe’s private workout with the team. Heck, it could even force the 76ers brass to think twice before taking the explosive guard.
The 76ers could think twice about picking VJ Edgecombe as the nerves get the best out of him
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony in his latest draft intel, sources told him that Edgecombe appeared “nervous” during his private workout in Philly recently, not shooting the ball particularly well.
However, it must be noted that Givony added that the 76ers nevertheless got a strong impression from Edgecombe during his interview and meetings which, of course, is a part of the equation in their decision-making.
Having said that, this cannot just be glossed over entirely, especially given the razor-slim margins that could make their decision swing both ways. Bailey, despite his camp’s off-putting shenanigans, remains a highly touted prospect for the 76ers, and his undeniably high ceiling as a player could still make him the ultimate choice for Philly.
Edgecombe is widely reckoned as the more NBA-ready prospect of the two with his eye-popping athleticism and scoring ability, although there are concerns about his fit in Philadelphia, especially with the 76ers not necessarily needing any more score-first cogs in the backcourt.
But for now, the pulse of the fanbase has Edgecombe as the more desirous choice. Bailey is operating more on sheer promise, although his current skill set is already very promising. It also does not help that he has been pretty insular during his pre-draft maneuvering.
The Philadelphia 76ers still have time, albeit little, to convince themselves as to the right decision to make on draft night. Given the current state of affairs on the team, the front office should not just base their choice off of short-term returns, but more definitively, the eventual long-term perks.