2025 NBA Draft: V.J. Edgecombe Rising as Potential Top Pick for Sixers

In a shift from earlier projections,Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe is now favored to be selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. This projection, comes courtesy of ESPN’s jonathan Givony adn Jeremy Woo,marks a change from Rutgers forward Ace Bailey,who was previously expected to fill that spot.

Edgecombe’s Positive Impression on the Sixers

Givony’s latest mock draft on ESPN highlights Edgecombe’s accomplished visit to Philadelphia as a key factor in this shift. while Bailey initially did not schedule a meeting with the Sixers, he has as arranged a workout later this week. However, there are indications that Bailey may not be entirely convinced about his “pathway to progress” with the team.

Did You Know? The NBA draft lottery determines the order in which teams select players in the NBA draft. The lottery involves the teams that did not make the playoffs in the preceding season.

Ace Bailey’s Draft Stock and Potential Landing spots

According to ESPN, Bailey has not participated in any known workouts and has declined invitations from several teams within his projected draft range. Sources suggest that Bailey’s camp believes he is a top-three talent in the draft but wants him to land in a situation where he can become a star. This has led some teams to speculate whether Bailey has received a promise from a team outside the top five that he views as a better fit regarding playing time and location.

Givony and Woo now project Bailey to fall to No. 6,where the Washington Wizards are believed to be “highly intrigued” by his potential. The new Orleans Pelicans at No. 7 are also reportedly interested and could offer him more immediate playing time than Philadelphia.

Other Key Projections from ESPN’s 2025 NBA Mock Draft

• The San Antonio Spurs are expected to retain the No.2 overall pick and select Dylan Harper.
• Kon Knueppel is likely to be drafted no later than No. 8, with the Charlotte Hornets (No. 4) and Utah Jazz (No. 5) showing interest.
• Jeremiah Fears is projected to be drafted between No. 5 and No. 8, with the jazz, pelicans, and Brooklyn Nets as potential destinations.
• The Atlanta Hawks are likely to target a big man and a guard with their first-round picks, perhaps selecting Egor Demin at No. 13 and Danny Wolf at No. 22.
• Collin Murray-Boyles is viewed as a polarizing prospect, with a potential draft range starting around No. 10.
• Carter Bryant has impressed during the pre-draft process and is expected to be drafted between No. 9 and No.15.

Team Draft Needs and Strategies

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, teams are evaluating their needs and formulating strategies to acquire the best talent available. The Hawks, for example, are reportedly considering drafting both a big man and a guard, while other teams are focusing on specific players who fit their existing rosters and long-term goals.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on player workouts and team interviews leading up to the draft,as these can frequently enough provide valuable insights into which players are rising or falling in the draft rankings.

2025 NBA draft: Projected Top Picks

The draft order is subject to change based on trades and other factors. Stay tuned for further updates as the draft approaches.

What are your thoughts on the sixers potentially drafting V.J. Edgecombe? Which player do you think will be the biggest surprise of the 2025 NBA Draft?