VJ Edgecombe Reportedly 'Made a Strong Impression' on 76ers as Ace Bailey Falls

The Philadelphia 76ers reportedly continue to be enamored with Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe as the 2025 NBA draft draws nearer.

In their latest mock draft, ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo predicted that the Sixers would use the No. 3 pick to select Edgecombe, while Rutgers wing Ace Bailey fell to the Washington Wizards at No. 6. Givony explained that Edgecombe "made a strong impression in a private workout as well as in meetings with the front office and ownership" for Philadelphia.

NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported last week that Edgecombe is considered a "prime candidate" to be drafted by the Sixers following his visit with the franchise.

Givony added Tuesday that Edgecombe "appears to be 'the leader in the clubhouse' currently," but he noted that Bailey is scheduled for a workout in Philadelphia at the end of this week. B/R's Jonathan Wasserman predicted in his latest mock draft that the Sixers would take Bailey at No. 3 rather than Edgecombe, but the swingman is seemingly becoming one of the most polarizing prospects in this year's draft class.

"The feedback from his interviews at the draft combine in Chicago was not all that positive, with some teams expressing concern about his lack of preparation and focus," Givony stated of Bailey. "NBA executives say Bailey has been polarizing in internal front-office conversations because of questions about his feel for the game and lack of polish, creating a wider draft range than initially anticipated."

Meanwhile, Edgecombe has the traits to make him a natural fit in Philadelphia thanks to his explosiveness and his defensive versatility. Givony noted that surrounding him "with prolific three-point shooters such as Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes and Paul George could add another dimension to the Sixers' offense, especially if the team buys into the development of his passing ability long-term."

Givony added that if Philadelphia passes on Edgecombe, "most teams expect him to be drafted one pick later by Charlotte at No. 4." However, he has also worked out with the Wizards during the predraft process, so there's "an indication there might be some trade scenarios in play with the Wizards moving up, potentially as high as No. 3."

It will all become clear when the NBA draft begins on June 25, as the league will be welcoming a new crop of future stars into the fold.