VJ Edgecombe was reportedly nervous during 76ers workout, raising questions about drafting him at No. 3

We’re just days away from the NBA Draft and if you’ve been saying up-to-date on the Sixers No. 3 overall pick, things haven’t been going as planned. The signs point towards VJ Edgecombe as the “leader in the clubhouse” but reports on his private workout with the team will have you questioning whether or not he’s the guy.

Quick Note on Ace Bailey…

Call me crazy, but even with Ace Bailey ghosting the 76ers, I would still rather swing for the fences and draft him over VJ Edgecombe.

I understand that the comparisons are eerily similar to Ben Simmons. He’s a one-and-done player and like LSU, Rutgers didn’t even make it to March Madness. Now, he’s making unserious demands about the draft process and wants a guarantee that he will be the “star” on whatever team selects him.

It’s not pretty, but I would still rather swing for the damn fences.

As for the Philadelphia 76ers…?

Someone ask Daryl Morey what exactly is the plan here?

According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Edgecombe’s workout with the Sixers wasn’t exactly lighting the building on fire. The quote?

“He appeared nervous and didn’t shoot the ball particularly well in an unnatural one-on-one setting.”

And then there’s this from last night:

The latest on the Sixers draft targets, VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey

What's the latest in Philadelphia with VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey? Went on ESPN Bet Live to discuss. pic.twitter.com/UiapBBjMf7

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2025

I’ll be honest, I don’t really know what to believe.

I don’t know if some of this is simply smokescreen from Daryl Morey and the Sixers but either way, that report about VJ Edgecombe might just concern me as much as some this Ace Bailey nonsense.

And while Edgecombe made a strong impression, I don’t love the idea that he shot poorly and was nervous during a workout but perhaps I’m reading too much into it?

Just to be clear, this all stems from the lack of trust with Morey and the Sixers organization. We have seen too many top draft picks bust in front of our eyes to have any faith that the right player will be selected.

VJ Edgecombe is….fine

VJ Edgecombe doesn’t feel like the big franchise altering swing you take at pick 3. He was solid at Baylor, averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, while flashing two-way potential and he’s probably the best athlete in the draft. I just can’t get over being 6 foot 5 and being an off-ball guard.

The Sixers already have guards. Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes… Edgecombe would be another guard in a crowded room while definitely being the biggest question mark.

Is this really who you want to stake your future on at No. 3?

When will the Sixers draft this high again?

Ace Bailey Is a Gamble — But He’s Got It

Now I know what you’re thinking — “Steven, Ace Bailey bailed on the Sixers’ workout. Doesn’t that matter?” Yeah, it’s weird. I won’t sugarcoat it. But I don’t care. You can’t teach upside like his. He’s a 6’9” freak athlete with wingspan, shot creation, and the type of raw star potential that turns into a franchise cornerstone with the right development.

The NBA Draft is about projection. It’s about finding the guy who, in two years, makes every team that passed on him look stupid. That’s the kind of feeling I have towards Ace Bailey. And if the Sixers are serious about building something not just now but the future, this is the type of risk they have to take.

However, there is certainly a world where Edgecombe is the guy that does that as well. That’s what makes the NBA draft so unpredictable. And ultimately we just have to hope Daryl Morey knows what he’s doing here.

There’s also the Kon Kneuppel Klan, which continues to make their case heard.

Free Kon Kneuppel: Could Duke’s 2nd prospect be the best pick for the Sixers at No. 3?

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