The prize for the Philadelphia 76ers finishing a miserable 24-58 in the 2024-25 season was the right to the No. 3 selection in the 2025 NBA draft. It was important for them to add a promising young piece to this roster in an effort to bounce back quickly.
With that selection, the Sixers went with Baylor star VJ Edgecombe who is expected to step in right away and produce. He flashed some real potential in the 2025 summer league–even though he was limited to only two games–and will be looking to carry that over to the NBA schedule.
ESPN listed the best newcomers of the offseason and Edgecombe popped up on the list for the Sixers:
Edgecombe needed just one appearance at the Salt Lake Summer League to show why the 76ers took him third overall. In his debut, Edgecombe had 28 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, using his explosiveness to live in the paint. Joining a veteran Philadelphia squad that was surprised to end up in the lottery, Edgecombe might not have the opportunity to handle the ball so much early in his rookie season. But if the Sixers again struggle to stay healthy, Edgecombe represents the promise of a new era in Philly.
Regardless, the Sixers will focus on the health of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, but they will not be able to make it through an 82-game season without the help of the supporting cast focused on youth and versatility. That is where Edgecombe is going to step in and give coach Nick Nurse a reliable option despite being so young and inexperienced in this league.