Sixers Select Franchise-Changing Player In NBA Draft

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia 76ers drafted V.J. Edgecombe third overall in the NBA draft on Wednesday night, a versatile shooting guard and small forward that could contribute immediately to the team's championship aspirations.

The 19-year-old native of the Bahamas was one of the best players in the NCAA while at Baylor University last year. While concerns persist about his ability to be an effective three-point shooter, he has a dynamic skillset that has drawn comparisons to Dwayne Wade and could propel him to a star level.

"GOT OUR GUY," the Sixers shared moments after the pick.

Edgecombe came after the first two picks went exactly as expected: Duke phenom Cooper Flagg went number one overall to the Dallas Mavericks, while the San Antonio Spurs took Rutgers star Dylan Harper.

Rumors had swirled that the Sixers would use the third pick on Ace Bailey, an 18-year-old Rutgers University shooting guard fraught with controversy entering the draft due to his reported disinterest in sharing the limelight in a city with other stars. He reportedly refused to workout for the Sixers, who immediately turned their interest to the other consensus third or fourth overall prospect, Edgecombe.

The Sixers earning the third overall pick in the draft lottery was a bit of good luck after a nightmare season full of injuries and innumerable setbacks. Superstar center and former MVP Joel Embiid was unable to keep his knee healthy, appearing in only a handful of games. Tyrese Maxey established himself as a bonafide star, but also faced injury issues. Offseason signing Paul George, who the Sixers hoped would fill the interminable "third star" hole vacated by various years of James Harden, Ben Simmons, and Jimmy Butler, proved to be a bust in year one - though there is still optimism for a comeback. And another bright spot, a breakout from unheralded rookie Jared McCain, ended early with season ending surgery.

As the losses piled into the new year, it became clear the Sixers were no longer interested in remaining in contention. They essentially tanked the final months of the season in a brutal showing eerily reminiscent of the early Sam Hinkie "Process" years. For the first time since 2017, they missed the playoffs.

The Sixers appear to have no interest, however, in even a mini-rebuild. Should Embiid remain healthy and even a passable version of his MVP self, the Sixers are a championship contender. A strong rookie year from Edgecombe, coupled with a healthy Maxey and McCain, gives the team a young core that could be great for the foreseeable future regardless of Embiid's health.