Sixers pivot from Ace Bailey, select VJ Edgecombe with No. 3 pick in NBA draft
GOT OUR GUY.welcome to Philly, @vj_edgecombe! pic.twitter.com/ayY9vzMdnj
Former Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe was selected with the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Edgecombe was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals on 34% shooting from 3-point range. He finished in double figures 27 times, including a season-high 30 points on Jan. 22 in a win over Kansas State.
The 19-year-old is one of the most athletic players in the draft and was an offensive force when he got downhill, thanks to his shiftiness, vision and decision-making. He also projects the ability to affect games at a high level on defense due to his length and instincts.
Since landing the No. 3 pick in the draft lottery last month, the Sixers were heavily linked to former Rutgers forward Ace Bailey. However, after Bailey canceled a workout with the team to secure a preferred situation, the Sixers removed him from their list of potential targets.
Bailey had been the consensus third pick throughout the predraft process after a productive freshman year. However, Bailey and his representation sought a team that could maximize his development, something they apparently felt wasn't possible with the Sixers.
Speaking Tuesday at a well-attended media availability ahead of the draft, Bailey side-stepped questions about that workout cancellation with the 76ers, stating: "I'm just blessed to be in this position I am right now. That's all. I'm taking it day by day."
With the 3rd pick of the NBA Draft, the @sixers select VJ Edgecombe (@vj_edgecombe)!2025 #NBADraft presented by State Farm LIVE on ABC & ESPN!
Edgecombe reportedly made a strong impression on the organization during a visit in Philadelphia earlier this month. Though he was said to be nervous during the workout, the front office enjoyed speaking with him and getting to know him as a person off the court.
The 6-foot-5 guard put himself on the radar last year after dazzling with the Bahamas in the Olympic qualifying tournament. On a team featuring Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon and Buddy Hield, Edgecombe finished third in scoring, averaging 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
Edgecombe is highly touted for his athleticism, size and ability to score and defend. His fit next to the likes of Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain may not be seamless, but the Sixers are confident they selected the best player available with the pick.
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