The Philadelphia 76ers made the absolute correct choice when they drafted VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. That move might even end up being a pretty historic one not only for the franchise, but for the entire NBA.
How can we say with a convincing tune that this pick could turn out to be a landscape-altering one? Well, it is because of two things that are not off-tangent from each other — first is the fact that Edgecombe is on an undeniable superstar trail, and second is the well-known intel that the 76ers actually thought of not drafting him back in late June.
Before the 76ers made the eventful choice to select Edgecombe with their third pick, everyone believed that their front office was contemplating between the Baylor star and Ace Bailey, the Rutgers standout, although pundits were starting to speculate that Philly was poised to draft Edgecombe due to the well-documented histrionics coming from Bailey’s camp — one which included him reportedly preferring to be drafted by any other team than the 76ers.
Well, how did work out for him? Not good. Meanwhile, the 76ers can only laugh in hindsight about such a “conundrum”.
The 76ers can only laugh as VJ Edgecombe completely shatters Ace Bailey thus far
Right now, Edgecombe is, without a doubt, the clear frontrunner to win Rookie of the Year — and it is not even close. On the other hand, Bailey has turned in putrid numbers through his first six games, all while falling far short of expectations despite playing in Utah — a team which people thought he would have full liberty with.
Instead, Bailey has become entrenched to the bench and has only played a minor role thus far. His pre-draft concerns have resurfaced as his shot selection and overall on-court sense have both looked pretty lacking.
Without needing to belabor ourselves with just how much better Edgecombe has been, the 76ers easily made the right decision. Sure, there were good reasons to believe that Bailey had a higher ceiling than Edgecombe at the time, making the 76ers’ choice a gutsy one. But now, that has become a glib talking point. It’s not even a question as to which player is poised to be a star and then some.
Ace Bailey got what he wanted, which was to not play in Philly. Meanwhile, the 76ers ended up with a picturesque scenario — getting the best player in the draft while the prospect who spurned them appears to be headed to no man’s land.