76ers Predicted to Land Award-Winning Playmaker

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76ers Predicted to Land Award-Winning Playmaker originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia 76ers hold the No. 3 pick of the 2025 NBA draft. Since acquiring the pick at the draft lottery, they've explored their options on which prospect they'll potentially draft. Initially, the 76ers were rumored to draft Ace Bailey, but that has since changed.
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Bailey's talent is something that teams have enjoyed seeing since his days at Rutgers. This is why he's touted to be the No.3 pick. However, his refusal to meet and work out with teams has affected his draft stock. The 6-foot-10 forward has not done a pre-draft workout with any team, including the 76ers.
This is why Philly is leaning on drafting Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe.
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe has the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
On Sunday, ESPN's draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo released their latest mock draft. Due to Bailey's unwillingness to do a workout with any team, the experts believe that Philly will draft Edgecombe.
"Edgecombe appears in pole position to hear his name called at No. 3 because of his unique talent, but also because Ace Bailey's clear determination to avoid teams in this range puts the 76ers in a difficult position, potentially selecting someone who clearly does not want to play for them," the ESPN experts wrote.
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Edgecombe reportedly had a private workout with the organization over the weekend. Although he appeared nervous during the session, he's the clear favorite after leaving a strong impression.
"While sources say Edgecombe appeared nervous during his private workout in Philadelphia and did not shoot the ball particularly well in an unnatural one-on-one setting, he made a strong impression in interviews and meetings, something the front office values more highly."
While in college, the combo guard averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals. Edgecombe was part of the All-Big 12 Second Team, Big 12 Freshman of the Year and Big 12 All-Freshman Team.
According to Givony, Edgecombe possesses high-level explosiveness and has the potential to be a good passer, shooter and defender.
Related: 76ers Make Likely Call on Blockbuster Paul George Trade: Report
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.