The Sixers draft is officially complete and I gotta be honest, the NBA Draft is typically a mystery to me in terms of prospects. But I have to say, I like what I see in who the Sixers chose this year! President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is typically a new school analytics type of roster builder and maybe he did the same this year, but you wouldn't assume he totally did that looking at this pair of prospects! I mean, if he did fully go analytics on these picks well, I agree with the analytics this time! I don't typically associate tough, gritty DOGS with analytics but it seems that as far as I can tell, these players are high effort, high character players with great potential.
With the 3rd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sixers selected Baylor University's shooting guard V.J. Edgecombe. I get a sense Edgecombe could cover some small forwards and point guards as well. Most places I've seen he is measured at 6'5" and a sturdy, explosive 185 pounds along with a strong 6'7.5" wingspan. Some say Edgecombe is a bit small but I don't think I agree, at the same time he is consistently labeled as the best athlete in the Draft. He's not even 20 years old yet so he still has time to grow in every aspect of his game. He brings a great toughness and a well rounded skillset to the court and is a defensive menace. He has been compared to a young Jimmy Butler or Dwayne Wade, I also see maybe some shades of Andrew Nembhard. I'm a huge fan of both of those players so if Edgecombe can be a player similar to those two, I'd be excited!
I like the energy and attitude V.J. Edgecombe brings to his interviews. He seems humble and hungry to succeed at the same time. Seems pretty mature and grateful to be in Philadelphia. I think he could fit in well in the City of Brotherly Love, I'm excited to see him play.
With the 35th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sixers selected Auburn University's power forward/center Johni Broome. Broome is listed at 6'10" 240 pounds but moves nearly like a small forward in my opinion. It's pretty impressive watching his highlights. He looks really well read if that makes sense. Genuinely seems very skilled. He reminds me of Demarcus Cousins, Zach Randolph, Dillon Brooks, and Draymond Green. Becoming something similar to those players I feel like is his ceiling. That would be more than ok with me!
All in all I have high hopes for both of these guys! Maybe the Sixers will have a much better 2025-26!
Edgecombe on the left, Broome on the right.
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