The Philadelphia Sixers made a significant move in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting VJ Edgecombe with the highly anticipated No. 3 overall pick. While much of the pre-draft buzz focused on athletic prowess and on-court potential, a poignant moment shared between Edgecombe and his mother on the draft stage signaled that the Sixers landed more than just a game-changing athlete – they drafted a player with profound character and a compelling story.
Edgecombe, visibly emotional yet poised after the announcement, stepped forward to speak for his tearful mother, sharing, “We came from nothing… We’re truly blessed to be in this position… This is why the emotions are so high right now.” This raw display of gratitude and maturity immediately resonated, highlighting a journey that began far from the bright lights of the NBA, in a part of Bimini, The Bahamas, “where the tourists don’t go.” Growing up, Edgecombe honed his skills playing barefoot with rudimentary equipment before moving to Florida in ninth grade to pursue basketball opportunities, later finishing high school at Long Island Lutheran.
A Combination of Talent and Temperament
Sixers President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, later echoed this sentiment, noting how Edgecombe “impressed the Sixers in his interview” and carries himself with a maturity beyond his under-20 age. Morey described him as having a “very good head on his shoulders, not just basketball IQ but life IQ,” observing the genuine love and admiration within his family during the draft telecast. This suggests the Sixers organization placed significant value on these non-athletic qualities during their evaluation process.
This focus on character and background took on added significance given the pre-draft landscape. Notably, another highly-rated prospect, Ace Bailey, who was available at No. 3, reportedly canceled a scheduled workout and meeting with the Sixers. This action, perceived by some as an attempt to influence his draft position for a situation prioritizing “unfettered shot volume,” drew public criticism and contrasted sharply with Edgecombe’s evident humility and appreciation. While Bailey was ultimately drafted No. 5 by the Jazz, the situation underscored the Sixers’ preference for players whose mentality aligns with building a winning culture.
On-Court Profile: Explosive and Versatile
Beyond his commendable character, Edgecombe brings an exciting blend of skills and athleticism to Philadelphia. Standing at 6-foot-4 with a good wingspan and reach, he plays bigger and stronger than his measurements suggest, offering potential positional versatility. He is widely regarded as one of the “best athletes” in the draft, described as “electric” and “explosive.”
His on-court strengths include:
Elite Finishing: Known as a “best finisher” and a “great transition player.”
Defensive Instincts: Understands defensive concepts and demonstrated two-way toughness at Baylor.
Developing Shot: Showcased good shooting mechanics, hitting 36% from three and 50% from two over his final 29 games in college.
International Experience: As a 19-year-old, he competed for the Bahamas national team in the 2024 Olympic Qualifying tournament, averaging 16.5 points and 5.5 rebounds against current NBA players.
Comparisons for young prospects are always fluid, with names like Victor Oladipo, Dwyane Wade, Jaylen Brown, and Josh Hart mentioned in relation to Edgecombe’s dynamic, indefatigable style. More importantly, evaluators see “All-Star potential” and believe that even if he doesn’t reach that ultimate ceiling, his “mentality will at least render him a winning player on a winning team,” a quality Morey highlighted in assessing his “All-Star capabilities.”
Hope for the Future
Edgecombe’s arrival injects hope into a Sixers team that endured a challenging year marked by injuries, particularly to cornerstone Joel Embiid. While Embiid is reportedly “on track” for training camp, adding a potential two-way contributor like Edgecombe alongside rising star Tyrese Maxey and fellow draft pick Jared McCain provides a clearer vision for the team’s future beyond relying solely on Embiid’s health. Morey expressed relief and fortune in securing a potential All-Star talent after the difficulties of the past season.
In VJ Edgecombe, the Sixers believe they have drafted a player whose character, resilience, and maturity are as impactful as his explosive athleticism – a foundational piece capable of contributing both on and off the court for years to come.
