It looks like the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to pass on Ace Bailey and select V.J. Edgecombe third overall has paid off. The Sixers did lose their first Summer League game of the season, and the Utah Jazz, who picked Bailey, won, but that’s not the real story here.
Edgecombe dropped an incredible 28 points in a little over 29 minutes, while Bailey just had eight points in more than 24 minutes of court time. Now, with a potential franchise star on their hands, the 76ers fanbase is already setting high expectations for the 2025-26 season.
V.J. Edgecombe’s Monstrous Performance Puts Pressure on Joel Embiid
Regardless of how Edgecombe played in his Summer League debut, Embiid is under pressure to deliver big for the 76ers next season. The MVP center has been the face of the franchise for over a decade now, but has yet to deliver a title to the city.
He is the best in the league when healthy, but in the last two seasons, he has played less than 60 games due to persistent injuries. Embiid was reduced to just 19 games last season and averaged just 23.8 points per game, his lowest since the 2019/20 season.
Now that he has capable partners in Paul George, who arrived last season and missed time with injury, Tyrese Maxey, and now Edgecombe, the Sixers fanbase is demanding at least a conference finals appearance next season.
“If Embiid doesn’t make the ecf this season he’s a complete fraud,” a fan wrote.
If Embiid doesn’t make the ecf this season he’s a complete fraud
— Tony G 🇮🇹 (@TGTatum4_3) July 6, 2025
“Joel has no excuse now”, another fan wrote.
“76ers has to at least make the conference finals next year,” another fan noted.
“The Sixers look scary as fuck considering VJ Edgecombe is probably the most NBA-ready rookie in this draft right now,” a fourth fan wrote.
The Sixers look scary as fuck considering VJ Edgecomb is probably the most NBA-ready rookie in this draft right now
— Azul 🐎💙 (@ZulOffAPerc) July 6, 2025
Edgecombe finished the night with 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. He made 13 of his 27 field goal attempts while also draining a three-pointer, finishing off with a game-high +10 impact.
VJ Edgecombe dazzled in his #NBASummer debut for the @sixers!
🔔 28 points
🔔 10 rebounds
🔔 4 assists
🔔 2 blocks pic.twitter.com/sqLlfmuIWA— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2025
While it’s just one game, and he will not put up similar numbers when he plays against the actual pros in the league as a rookie, some Sixers fans are so disappointed in Embiid that they want the franchise to build around Edgecombe and their All-Star guard, Maxey, now.
“I like Edgecombe man. Philly lucked up. Maxey + Edgecomb gonna kill. They need to trade Embiid when they can get some value for him. ASAP,” a fan wrote.
“Philadelphia needs to dump Paul George and his aging and non durable sidekick Embiid and build around these studs. Send them to the Kings,” another commented.
Philadelphia needs to dump Paul George and his aging and non durable sidekick Embiid and build around these studs.
Send them to the Kings.
— Chart Davidson (@ChartDavidson) July 6, 2025
The 76ers also drafted Johni Broome, who was equally impressive in his debut. He scored 13 points, five rebounds, one steal, and one blocked shot on the night. Both rookies signal immediate depth needs and long-term planning beyond the current core.
Johni Broome -> NBA player
— T3™️ (@T3Bracketology) July 6, 2025
The 76ers have decided to run it back with Embiid and George this season, and while the two rookies would only get them closer to a Championship, if they underperform yet again, Philly will be forced to look for trades and build around the young core of Maxey, Edgecombe, and Broome right from the next season.