For now, all signs point to the Philadelphia 76ers retaining their pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. In possession of the third overall pick, the franchise has a big shot of snagging an elite prospect come June 25 — a much-needed reinforcement for a team currently in an undeniable state of flux.
Unlike the Mavericks and the Spurs — the only teams picking ahead of them — the 76ers still have have no absolute certainty on which player they would select. The front office faces a lot of possibilities with their own selection, which also include the possibility of trading that pick in order to move up or down.
Most mock boards, however, advertise a certain prospect as the popular number three behind Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper — Ace Bailey. The Rutgers standout is widely believed to be the third-best rookie in his draft class, yet opinions on him have been mixed. For that very reason, public opinion is slowly insisting on the thought of the 76ers going with another prospect when they make the call from the draft room.
The 76ers could very well entertain the idea of passing up on Ace Bailey
According to The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, the common sentiment among NBA personnel is that Ace Bailey is more of a project piece than VJ Edgecombe, whom many have already bannered as a viable “alternative” for the 76ers at No. 3.
”It’s expected that the Sixers will listen to offers for No. 3, but it’s unclear whom the team would take if it stays. Rutgers’ Bailey has been seen as the biggest upside swing, and he fills a theoretical position of need for Philly as a big wing. But he is also viewed as more of a project by scouts and executives, and this is a Sixers front office that likely needs to win next year to keep its jobs. I’ve also gotten a wider sense of appreciation from NBA front offices for Edgecombe than Bailey."
Bailey, who stands at 6’10” as reported, packs a ton of promise as a lengthy shot-maker who play and defend multiple positions. However, there have been concerns about his immediate impact to winning given his lapses on defense, with making decisions on the flym, and creating his own shot.
With the 76ers still under a strict and resounding win-now edict, the front office could deem it more sensible to take someone like Edgecombe, whom many believe to be more NBA-ready than most of his counterparts, to bolster their winning cause next season.
However, Philly is also eyeing the draft to make a huge swing for the future. In that case, Bailey would be the rightful selection as he undoubtedly has a higher ceiling than Edgecombe. There is also that clear need for the 76ers to add more size to their forward rotation, which Bailey will obviously supply.
Either way, the Philadelphia 76ers are in a solid spot. Whether they take Ace Bailey or VJ Edgecombe, they stand to benefit both in the short and long term. Having said that, they still have a month to evaluate both prospects (as well as other ones) and pinpoint red flags that could swing the fences.