Philadelphia 76ers Select VJ Edgecombe at No. 3 in the 2025 NBA Draft

The Philadelphia 76ers have chosen Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe as their top draft pick, selecting him third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Draft analysts highlighted Edgecombe’s exceptional athleticism and versatile skill set. His immediate contribution is expected to be as a dynamic role player, combining defense and shooting ability.

During his college career, Edgecombe showed significant development as a shooter. Although he initially struggled, he improved his consistency through targeted plays, including off-screen and baseline catch-and-shoot opportunities. He finished the season shooting over 34% from three-point range, with a high of over 40% during his high school career at Long Island Lutheran near the draft location.

Known for his elite athleticism, Edgecombe averages 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. His rebounding often comes via acrobatic, one-handed efforts over opponents. Last year, he also demonstrated playmaking skills on the Bahamas national team, running pick-and-rolls and facilitating as a point guard.

The analysts see Edgecombe as fitting into a 3-and-D role initially, but with the potential to develop into a top-tier player. They regard him as one of the top in this draft class, possibly the second or third best overall talent.

Commentators praised the pick, noting that although a trade down might have been ideal, selecting Edgecombe offers excellent upside, especially compared to other prospects like Ace Bailey or Trey Johnson, who are seen as more redundant to existing roster players.

Overall, the pick earned an A-minus grade, reflecting confidence in Edgecombe’s potential to grow and impact the team both immediately and in the future.