The Philadelphia 76ers now officially own the third pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. Coming into the evening, selecting fifth overall with the danger of losing their pick should it fall out of the top six, the Sixers are surely thrilled with the result despite likely missing out on the projected top two talents in this draft.
Potential prospects at No. 3
The two top names you will hear between now and June 25 will be Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe. Bailey, once projected to be second only to Cooper Flagg in this prospect pool, saw his stock fall during a disappointing season at Rutgers. Some would argue his stock fell even further ahead of the Draft Lottery as his official measurements from the NBA Combine were released.
Despite being listed at 6’10” at Rutgers, Bailey measured in at only 6’7 1/2″ at the combine. While his size is still a positive, it’s not as convincing as the previously thought-to-be unicorn-esque height he was thought to possess.
Bailey struggled mightily to maintain a quality shot selection. He also struggled as a facilitator and failed to show what some had hoped to see as a potential future plus-defender. Still, he is a plus to a potentially high-end shot-maker who, in the right environment, could grow into a legitimate star on the wing. Unfortunately, he’ll likely need everything to break right for that to happen.
VJ Edgecombe, meanwhile, has a far higher floor and arguably a far lower ceiling than Bailey. His elite athleticism, solid size, and build. plus a unrelenting motor have led to many comps to Victor Oladipo who, when healthy, was a player always always on the precipice of stardom.
Can Edgecombe succeed where Oladipo was unfortunately cut short due to injury? Perhaps, but there is surely not guarantee.
Players selected 3rd overall by the Sixers
Jahlil Okafor — 2015
Joel Embiid — 2014
Jerry Stackhouse — 1995
Charles Smith — 1988 (traded for Hersey Hawkins)
Time will tell on which end of this spectrum the 2025 third overall pick will fall, but for now, it’s a good problem to have if you’re Philadelphia.
