Washington Wizards Could Reportedly Trade Up to Get Baylor Standout, Per 1 Insider 1 Mar 13, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) shoots the ball during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

'He Might be Philly’s Second-Best Player' – Philadelphia 76ers Rookie Draws Bold Outlook From Anonymous Exec

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 10:11 AM ET

Many pundits and fans believe that the Philadelphia 76ers struck gold with VJ Edgecombe, whom they selected with the third overall pick in this summer’s NBA Draft.

Given his fine performances in the recently concluded Summer League, one anonymous Eastern Conference general manager made a bold prediction that the former Baylor guard could quickly emerge as one of the most important players for the Philadelphia 76ers next season.

“VJ might be Philly’s second-best player by the end of the season, factoring in (Joel) Embiid’s uncertain health,” an Eastern Conference GM told ESPN’s Jeremy Woo. “He’s that good and will thrive playing in Nick Nurse’s system.”

Mar 8, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) and Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) chase a loose ball during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Edgecombe turned heads in his Summer League debut during the Philadelphia 76ers’ 93-89 loss against Ace Bailey and the Utah Jazz, recording 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Philadelphia 76ers News: VJ Edgecombe receives high praise from anonymous team exec

The Philadelphia 76ers are excited to see more from VJ Edgecombe this year, given his immense potential. According to an anonymous team source, the front office feels validated for acquiring the explosive combo guard.

Dec 15, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers resident of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey speaks with the media before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

“For where we landed in the draft, we got the best player available, and we don’t think it was all that close. VJ is perfect with the guys we already have, because he can do different things than they do. We couldn’t be more excited to have him joining our team,” the front office exec told Spotrac’s Keith Smith.

It’ll be interesting to see how Edgecombe’s rookie campaign will look, especially since he’ll have to compete for minutes alongside Tyrese Maxey and sophomore guard Jared McCain.