The Philadelphia 76ers will have a lot of eyes on them as they head into the 2025 NBA draft. The Sixers own the No. 3 pick and there are a lot of questions about what they will do with that pick. They will either make a selection or they can trade down and gain more assets as well as create more cap space for free agency.

The top two candidates for President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey and his staff at No. 3 are Rutgers star Ace Bailey and Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe. While other prospects such as Texas’ Tre Johnson and Duke’s Kon Knueppel could make a case, it appears it will come down to Bailey and Edgecombe at No. 3 should Philadelphia make a selection.

So who has the edge? It’s time to break things down statistically between Bailey and Edgecombe as the draft quickly approaches:

Scoring

When it comes to putting the ball in the basket, Bailey takes this category. He averaged 17.6 points in 2024-25 compared to 15.0 for Edgecombe at Baylor and Bailey is somebody who has a lot of upside in this aspect of the game. He has a lot of questions about his game when considering his shot selection isn’t the greatest, but that goes to show that he has a ton of talent. If he pans out, then he is going to be a multi-time All-Star and reach a high level in this league. On the flip side, if the shot selection is still shaky and it doesn’t translate to the NBA, then he could turn into a bust.

Scoring edge: Bailey

Shooting percentage

When it comes to raw shooting numbers, Bailey shot 46% from the floor overall and 34.6% from deep in 2024-25. Edgecombe shot 43.6% from the floor and 34% from deep with Baylor. When it comes to catch-and-shoot 3-point opportunities. They get broken down like this (all numbers per Sports Synergy):

Bailey

Catch-and-shoot 3s: 36-for-93 (38.7%)Unguarded on those attempts: 7-for-27 (25.9%)Guarded on those attempts: 29-for-66 (43.9%)

Edgecombe

Catch-and-shoot 3s: 45-for-124 (36.3%)Unguarded: 21-for-45 (46.7%)Guarded: 24-for-79 (30.4%)

When looking at these numbers, one can give the edge to Bailey due to his ability to knock down the tough looks. On the flip side, it also goes back to the shot selection concern, as he feels as if he can knock down any shot he puts up. That can be a good thing, as confidence is a huge factor in this game, or if one is more focused on taking the right shots, then Edgecombe takes it here. His ability to knock down an open look from 3–which will be a big factor on the Sixers when considering the opportunities–will be a big help as Philadelphia moves forward in the draft process. It depends on one’s viewpoint, but in this case, Edgecombe being able to knock down those unguarded attempts at a high rate gives him the edge.

Shooting edge: Edgecombe

Other aspects of the game

Outside of the scoring and shooting numbers, Edgecombe brings a lot to the table. He averaged 5.6 rebounds despite standing at just 6-foot-5 while also dishing out 3.2 assists along with 2.1 steals and 0.6 blocks. His raw athleticism, combined with his IQ of how to play defense at this level, means he can be one of the better two-way players in this league. That type of versatility–and his maniacal work ethic and competitiveness–is so important in today’s NBA and should put him in the driver’s seat at No. 3 for Philadelphia.

Bailey rebounds well as he averaged 7.2 rebounds per game and he has great timing on the defensive end as he averaged 1.3 blocks per game along with 1.0 steals. He only averaged 1.3 assists per game as playmaking is a concern, but his defensive game suggests he can be a player who can help immediately on that end of the floor.

When looking at the raw overall numbers, Edgecombe makes a lot of sense for Philadelphia at No. 3. The Sixers are in a unique position because they don’t necessarily need a star at this position. Whoever they select at this position is not going to make or break their season. That will come down to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey so one has to believe the Sixers are just looking for a player who can help right away on a championship quest. That player projects to be Edgecombe.

Overall edge: Edgecombe