The real fun in the 2025 NBA Draft began after the Mavericks and Spurs made their selections. The Philadelphia Sixers had a few options they could've taken with the No. 3 pick, but they had their sights set (subscription required) on Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe. He brings an infusion of defense and athleticism into the team's backcourt.
Edgecombe didn't land in a typical situation for a rookie taken No. 3 overall (neither did Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper). Philadelphia has the potential to be a top team in the East, an outcome that will depend on Joel Embiid's health. Edgecombe most likely won't be in the starting lineup right away, but he should still play a sizable role in what could be an exciting season for the Sixers.
Philadelphia's preferred starting lineup is likely Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes (currently a restricted free agent), Paul George, and Embiid. Will that be what it is on opening night? Probably not because George had knee surgery a few weeks ago. When everyone is healthy (speak it into existence), that is what the starting lineup should be.
It might not take long for VJ Edgecombe to prove his worth
Edgecombe's shooting (he shot 43.6% from the field and 34% from three in college) and playmaking aren't where they need to be for a starter, but he'll get to work on those things in a more free-flowing offense.
In two summer league games in Salt Lake City and Vegas, he averaged 21.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game with 43/17/78 shooting splits. He shot 59% (10-of-17) at the rim.
Yes, that's a very small sample size, and it's just summer league, but that gives Philadelphia a better idea of what Edgecombe needs to improve. He has the athleticism and defensive prowess to be an NBA starter (things that will result in playing time early on), but his shooting has to get better. The good news is that he's still young! There is time!
Fans shouldn't magically expect Edgecombe to develop quicker than other rookies because he's on a roster that, in theory, could contend for a title. If he had been drafted to a young, rebuilding team, he would probably be a starter. He has the advantage of learning from some pretty good veterans, though.
It will be interesting to see what kind of lineups Nick Nurse has Edgecombe in. Nurse has another guard to think about in the backcourt, but that's fine. Edgecombe was worthy of hearing his name called at No. 3, and he's ready to prove that he belongs.