The 2025 NBA Draft’s top-three picture became murkier following reports of VJ Edgecombe’s subpar workout performance with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Baylor freshman remains heavily favored for the third overall selection despite shooting struggles during his private session with the franchise.
Meanwhile, Ace Bailey’s strategic avoidance of workouts with teams in his projected range continues creating ripple effects throughout the lottery. The Rutgers forward’s camp believes he deserves top-three consideration while seeking guaranteed playing time and a clear developmental pathway from potential suitors.
Sixers Weighing Workout Performance Against Interview Impressions
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony revealed specific details about Edgecombe’s Philadelphia visit that highlighted both concerns and positives. The 6-foot-4 guard’s nervousness became apparent during the private workout session, where his shooting accuracy suffered in what scouts described as an unnatural setting.
VJ Edgecombe reportedly “appeared nervous during his private workout in Philadelphia and did not shoot the ball particularly well in an unnatural one-on-one setting.”
He made a “strong impression” in interviews and meetings.
via @jeremywoo & @DraftExpress
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— RB (@RBPhillyTake) June 23, 2025
“Edgecombe appears in pole position to hear his name called at No. 3 because of his unique talent, but also because Ace Bailey’s clear determination to avoid teams in this range puts Philadelphia in a difficult position, potentially selecting someone who clearly does not want to play for them,” Givony reported.
“While sources say Edgecombe appeared nervous during his private workout in Philadelphia and did not shoot the ball particularly well in an unnatural one-on-one setting, he made a strong impression in interviews and meetings, something the front office values more highly,” Givony added.
The Sixers’ front office reportedly prioritizes character evaluation and interview performance over individual workout sessions. Edgecombe’s meetings with team president Daryl Morey and the ownership group received glowing reviews, while All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey even attended dinner sessions during the prospect’s visit. The Bahamian guard averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in his lone season at Baylor, while shooting 34% from three-point range.
Bailey’s Boycott Strategy Creates Draft Board Chaos
Bailey’s representatives have declined multiple workout invitations from teams selecting between picks three through seven. He canceled his scheduled visit with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, June 19, just two days before the planned workout, according to ESPN sources.
The former five-star recruit’s camp communicated their belief that he ranks among the draft’s top-three talents while seeking a clear pathway to immediate playing time. Sources indicate Bailey’s representatives prefer he remains on the East Coast, specifically “somewhere between Atlanta and New York.”
This approach has perplexed NBA executives who typically expect prospects to showcase their abilities for interested franchises. Bailey remains the only U.S.-based prospect who has yet to conduct any known private workouts despite being projected as a lottery selection by most draft analysts. The 18-year-old forward averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game during his freshman season at Rutgers.
The 6-foot-7 forward’s combine measurements also raised questions about his positional versatility at the professional level. Listed at 6-foot-10 during his Rutgers career, Bailey measured at 6-foot-8.5 in shoes at the NBA Draft Combine, creating concerns about his ability to play power forward effectively in the NBA.
Teams like Brooklyn, Washington, and New Orleans have shown interest in Bailey should he fall past Philadelphia’s selection. His elite scoring ability and three-level shot-making remain attractive despite the pre-draft complications surrounding his availability and size measurements. The Wizards, Pelicans and Nets hold the sixth, seventh and eighth picks respectively.
The contrasting approaches between Edgecombe’s cooperative interview process and Bailey’s selective strategy continue shaping one of the draft’s most intriguing storylines. Philadelphia faces the challenging decision of selecting between a nervous but willing prospect versus pursuing someone actively avoiding their organization. The 76ers have not ruled out selecting Bailey despite his refusal to visit, sources told ESPN, as the team has scouted him extensively throughout the season at nearby Rutgers.
