The Philadelphia 76ers select Baylor Bear VJ Edgecombe with the 3rd overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. The two-way freshman guard is a safe but high-upside player in this draft as a top prospect, which makes him a top-three pick. The wing can be a downhill force with his slashing ability, but Edgecombe will have to improve his shot creation. Philly is a good environment for him to develop that area with pieces around.
If the Sixers can stay healthy with Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Paul George, and Joel Embiid, they potentially could make some noise in a muddiest Eastern Conference. The Indiana Pacers (without Tyrese Haliburton) and Boston Celtics (without Jayson Tatum) could be teams that are still great but not living up to the standard of the past. The New York Knicks could be the East favorite, but they currently don’t have a head coach.
Philadelphia 76ers select VJ Edgecombe with the 3rd Overall Pick
Philly could use the potential future and a starter in Edgecombe that could play alongside players like Quentin Grimes, who stepped up in 2024-2025. VJ has sharp instincts as a defender at 6’5″, but has shot capabilities, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 43.6 field goal percentage.
Valdez “VJ” was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and Second-team All-Big 12 at 19 years old. With high-character traits, hustle off the dribble, and a feisty competitiveness, he is a solid option for Philadelphia. The benefit of taking Edgecombe is his diverse skill set to see potential instant success compared to some who have to take time to round out their game.
Although they need a forward alongside or to replace Justin Edwards with George, shifting the lineup is a potential option with the rotation of him with Maxey and Grimes. He has explosiveness that Philly can utilize, along with passing ability with multiple top options around him when healthy.
