The Philadelphia 76ers struck gold in the draft lottery, securing the third overall pick despite nearly losing it entirely due to protections. Now mock drafts are pointing toward explosive Bahamian guard VJ Edgecombe as their potential selection over more hyped prospect Ace Bailey.
With Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey needing an immediate contributor to support their championship aspirations, the Baylor star emerges as the perfect blend of NBA-ready skills and long term potential.
Edgecombe to Sixers at No.3
In the CSN’s latest mock draft, Philadelphia is expected to draft Edgecombe with the third overall pick, a prediction that aligns with the team’s apparent win-now philosophy and need for immediate contributors.
“Though Edgecombe is 6’5″, and would have to play next to point guard Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, who are 6’2″ and 6’3″, respectively, he showed the ability to guard bigger players with his high level effort and athleticism,” writes CSN’s Bjorn Bergstrom in his analysis.
The Baylor standout’s statistical profile backs up this projection. Edgecombe averaged 15.0 points and 3.2 assists while displaying remarkable defensive instincts with 2.1 steals per game. His combination of scoring punch and defensive versatility addresses multiple needs for Philadelphia.
Bergstrom emphasizes that “possessing the high floor that Edgecombe has is important for Philadelphia as they gear up for a playoff run with several stars already on the roster.” Unlike some lottery prospects who might require years of development, Edgecombe’s game appears tailored for immediate NBA impact.
Perhaps most intriguing is how seamlessly Edgecombe could transition to the Sixers’ system. Though he operated as a primary creator at Baylor, he “showed the ability to spot up on the wing and space the floor, a role he could fill early on as he adapts to the pro game” according to Bergstrom’s analysis.
The Baylor Star’s Combine Performance Solidified His Stock
Official measurements from the draft combine reveal exactly why Edgecombe’s stock continues to rise among NBA front offices. Standing 6’4″ without shoes with a substantial 6’7.5″ wingspan and 8’5.5″ standing reach, the Baylor guard possesses ideal physical tools for a modern NBA combo guard.
His athletic testing numbers proved even more impressive. Edgecombe recorded an impressive 38.5-inch max vertical leap, confirming the explosive athleticism evident in his college highlights. His three-quarter sprint time of 3.20 seconds showcased the transition speed that made him a threat in the open court at Baylor.
In shooting drills, Edgecombe connected on 12-of-25 attempts from the star position and 12-of-25 from the spot up location, demonstrating solid mechanics and consistency. His 17-of-23 performance from 3PT side position particularly stood out, highlighting his potential as a corner three specialist, a valuable skill in Philadelphia’s offensive system.
The Bahamian guard also showed well in ball-handling drills, hitting 20-of-30 shots off the dribble, reinforcing his ability to create his own scoring opportunities.
For the 76ers specifically, Edgecombe addresses several roster concerns. His defensive versatility would immediately strengthen a perimeter defense that struggled with containing explosive guards last season. Playing alongside Maxey, Edgecombe’s ability to guard bigger wings compensates for Philadelphia’s undersized backcourt.
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Offensively, his cutting and transition finishing would provide Joel Embiid with another release valve when facing double-team defense, while his spot-up shooting complements Maxey’s drive and kick game. Perhaps most importantly, Edgecombe’s NBA ready frame and two-way impact align perfectly with Philadelphia’s championship window.
As the draft approaches, Edgecombe’s combination of immediate impact potential and long-term upside appears increasingly appealing for a Philadelphia team that needs both scoring contributors and future stars. The explosive guard from the Bahamas might just be the missing piece for the 76ers’ championship puzzle.
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