In this tumultuous season, the Philadelphia 76ers have found themselves caught in a whirlwind of losses, yet they’ve unexpectedly secured the third overall pick, which opens up a world of possibilities for the future. This includes options for trading players, adjusting downwards in the draft, or simply selecting a promising prospect. Currently, forward Ace Bailey and guard VJ Edgecombe are garnering significant attention as potential picks. Bailey is renowned for his incredible shooting skills, but he hasn’t quite met expectations in height and wingspan, leading to the cancellation of his workout. Meanwhile, Edgecombe has stood out on the defensive end; although his offensive game still needs polishing, his recent workout with the Sixers garnered him some positive feedback. When it comes to future choices for the team, the editor leans towards Bailey’s developmental potential, considering him a worthy candidate for deeper evaluation.
For Philadelphia 76ers fans, this season has undoubtedly been filled with disappointment. As star player Paul George noted on a podcast, despite the team’s morale remaining strong, the inconsistent appearances of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, along with rookie Jared McCain sidelined due to injury, have left the team with little chance to make it to the playoffs early on. Fortunately, this situation has also granted the team the third overall pick in the draft, adding some exciting possibilities for the future. Experts highlight three main strategies for utilizing this pick: packaging Paul George with the third pick to enhance competitiveness, trading down with the pick to acquire other assets, or selecting a promising player on their own.
Among these three choices, there is a cautious outlook on the possibility of a packaging deal involving Paul George. As he gets older, PG’s performance has indeed shown some decline, but his skill set on both ends of the court still makes him an ideal fit alongside Embiid and Maxey. If Embiid and Maxey can stay healthy, there’s hope for a resurgence in PG’s performance. As for the third option, it has garnered more attention, with the primary candidates being Ace Bailey from Rutgers University and VJ Edgecombe from Baylor University. Bailey is a forward known for his shooting skills, while Edgecombe boasts outstanding cutting abilities, showcasing a distinct difference in their technical characteristics.
Before the draft, Ace Bailey stood at 6 feet 10 inches, but after testing, he was reduced to 6 feet 7.5 inches, a change that significantly impacted his draft position. As a player for Rutgers University, he fought alongside potential number two pick Dylan Harper, showcasing remarkable potential. Looking ahead, his offensive skills still need enhancement, especially his ability to drive off the dribble. Statistics show that Bailey primarily relies on jump shots, but his shooting percentage is inconsistent, which will pose a major challenge when facing stronger defenses in the NBA. However, he possesses the ability to move off the ball, which means that if he can maintain his shooting touch, he could make a meaningful contribution during his rookie season. Defensively, Bailey relies on his excellent wingspan and explosiveness, though he may struggle against stronger opponents. Still, his defensive potential should not be underestimated.
In contrast, VJ Edgecombe has completed a tryout with the 76ers, showcasing an impressive attitude and character that has successfully caught the attention of team executive Daryl Morey. With Tyrese Maxey returning to lend support, alongside Edgecombe’s strong performance, experts are unanimous in believing that he could be the 76ers’ top choice. His physical attributes, ability to compete, and defensive potential—evidenced by an average of 2.1 steals per game—indicate his likelihood of becoming an elite defender. Although his offensive skills are not yet fully developed, Edgecombe also possesses the ability to drive to the basket. The key is that he needs to work on avoiding premature ball collection to enhance his scoring efficiency, allowing him to truly showcase his potential in his rookie season.
