CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers decided to make a selection with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA draft on Wednesday as they moved forward with an important offseason in terms of being able to build a championship roster around the Big 3.
With that No. 3 pick, the Sixers selected Baylor star VJ Edgecombe. He may not have the star upside that Rutgers star Ace Bailey have at this early point in his career, but he looks like he can be somebody who can slide in right away and make an impact next to the star trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey.
“Man, it was crazy,” Edgecombe said over a Zoom session on joining the Sixers. “Like I said, I feel like we can be a team that can win in the finals, especially when everyone’s healthy. Man, it’s a surreal moment being drafted by Philly. It’s a surreal moment. Man, I was at a loss for words for like, the first 20 minutes, 30 minutes. Man, I just can’t believe it’s true.”
The Sixers went 24-58 in a miserable 2024-25 season as injuries just ran through the roster and destroyed any chances they had at winning the title they’re continuing to chase. With a clean bill of health, there is a chance for this group to compete for a championship in 2025-26. A trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey can do so many good things on the floor.
Throw in a guy like Edgecombe who brings a seriously high basketball IQ along with elite athleticism and his fit next to the Big 3 should be seamless in theory. Nobody will know until he gets on the floor and plays with them, but at this moment in time, the Sixers have to be happy with who they got at No. 3.
“I feel like I’ll play well off them,” Edgecombe said of his role in Philadelphia. “I’ve been playing off the ball, so I don’t need the ball to be impactful. So like I say, knowing the type of player they are, I feel like I’ll be able to fit right in. Play off of them, learn from them, help on the defensive end.”
Edgecombe will be in the backcourt with Maxey who is an All-Star guard and also one of Philadelphia’s leaders. During his pre-draft workout with the Sixers, Edgecombe was able to meet with Maxey and the two hit it off immediately. It’s that type of off the court impact that makes a difference in this league.
“Man, he’s a great person,” Edgecombe said of Maxey. “We just got to know each other. We don’t even talk basketball the whole time. We talked basketball here, and he was telling me it was great seeing me, but I was just telling him how I’m just huge fan of his game, but just got to know him, man. He’s a great person, super energetic, full of joy, and that’s someone I’m definitely looking forward to working with. That’s gonna be my backcourt mate. Hopefully, we retire on the same team.”