We haven’t gotten much solid reporting about what the Sixers could do at No. 3, but NBA insider Jake Fischer has a lot of intel about their interest in VJ Edgecombe.
With the 2024-25 season winding down, NBA Draft chatter is starting to pick up. Until now, the Sixers had kept things quiet — only one workout had leaked publicly. That changed recently, as Jake Fischer reported new developments involving the No. 3 overall pick.
Fischer notes that many around the league expect Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper to go first and second, making the third pick the unofficial starting point of the draft. It also happens to be the highest pick of Daryl Morey’s career — fueling even more speculation around what the Sixers might do.
Here’s the latest from Fischer on Philadelphia’s draft approach:
The only thing that seems certain, according to our latest conversations on the matter, is that Philadelphia will be drafting a top prospect in the very early stages of draft proceedings on June 25.
“They’re keeping the pick,” said one Eastern Conference executive, “or they’re trading down a few slots.”
The prime candidate at No. 3, at this juncture, appears to be Baylor freshman guard VJ Edgecombe, who sources say visited with the Sixers last week. There’s an expectation that Philadelphia will bring in Rutgers’ Ace Bailey down the road, but I have not heard of a workout that Bailey has scheduled to date.
Edgecombe is said to have impressed with his work ethic, personality and interviews. He went to dinner with Morey and other Sixers higher-ups. Even Tyrese Maxey, sources say, flew in for the occasion. The Sixers are certainly intrigued by what type of defensive complement Edgecombe could provide their All-Star guard, sources say, in addition to his explosive upside on the offensive side of the ball.
Edgecombe’s workout with the Sixers is the only known visit for the Bahamian national teamer, sources say. Several teams are of the belief he might only work out with Philadelphia, although it’s still very early in the draft process.”
There’s a lot to take from Fischer’s report, but the most intriguing detail comes at the end: VJ Edgecombe has only worked out with the Sixers, and that may remain the case. If accurate, it could be a strong sign that Philadelphia has made a draft promise.
In recent years, the Sixers have made it a priority to bring in high-character players known for their work ethic — Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and Adem Bona are prime examples of that approach. By all accounts, VJ Edgecombe fits that mold. He’s mature beyond his years and known as a tireless worker, making him a natural fit for the culture Philadelphia is trying to build.
Fischer also outlined what might happen with Edgecombe if the Sixers decide to trade down or take a different direction:
If Edgecombe does not fly off the board at No. 3, there is an increasing sense among rival teams that he will not slip past Charlotte at No. 4. The Hornets could simply choose to add the athletic guard to a backcourt that already features LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller … or make the selection available while they’re on the clock to teams with Edgecombe interest. It’s a scenario various teams have mentioned they’re preparing for.
The Hornets, remember, engaged both Portland and Memphis on draft night a year ago — while Charlotte was on the clock at No. 6 — since both the Trail Blazers and the Grizzlies held interest in Donovan Clingan. There should be no shortage of trade partners for the Hornets that would be willing to move up for the right to select Edgecombe.
One team that league executives increasingly mention as interested in trading up for Edgecombe: Washington.
And only adding to the intrigue surrounding the Wizards: They hold No. 6 and No. 18 selections in the first round, which has rival teams eyeing them as a potential trade-up partner for both Philadelphia and Charlotte.”
Charlotte has frequently been linked to Edgecombe, given their up-tempo style and need for a defensive presence alongside LaMelo Ball. But he’s clearly valued by several teams near the top of the draft, including the Washington Wizards, who were specifically mentioned by Fischer. Washington has the draft capital to move up and, importantly, a recent trade history with the Sixers — remember the Jared Butler deal just a few months ago. In trade discussions, those existing relationships can matter.
All signs point to the Sixers doing their due diligence ahead of the draft, including exploring potential trade-down scenarios on draft night. But if they stay put at No. 3, VJ Edgecombe appears to be a strong candidate to hear his name called.
If you’re not yet familiar with Edgecombe’s game, check out our full draft profile linked here.