Saturday night`s NBA Summer League game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz garnered significant interest for multiple reasons. Both teams featured highly-touted prospects projected as top-five picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, and notably, one franchise made a direct choice between the two players during the draft process.
Ace Bailey from Rutgers was widely considered a potential top-three talent in his class, but reports indicated that his decision not to participate in pre-draft workouts raised concerns among teams. While many draft experts projected him to the 76ers with the No. 3 pick, Philadelphia ultimately decided to select VJ Edgecombe from Baylor instead. In Saturday`s matchup, it was Edgecombe who clearly looked like the superior player on the court, despite the 76ers` 93-89 loss.
The 19-year-old delivered an outstanding performance, leading all scorers with 28 points on 13 of 27 shooting. He also recorded a double-double by pulling down 10 rebounds, distributed four assists, added two blocks, and committed just two turnovers. Although Edgecombe struggled with his perimeter shot (1 of 7 from three) and from the free-throw line (1 of 3), these minor inefficiencies couldn`t overshadow the fact that his Summer League debut was a resounding success.
Edgecombe showcased comfort and effectiveness driving to the basket, successfully finishing even when facing defensive pressure. He proved challenging for defenders to contain when attacking the rim and also displayed a smooth mid-range game with several impressive jumpers.
While it was just a single Summer League contest, Edgecombe`s performance offered a promising glimpse into Philadelphia`s future. He was the 2025 Big 12 Freshman of the Year, pacing all conference first-year players in both points per game (15.0) and steals per game (2.1). Last season, he was one of only two players in Division I to accumulate at least 30 dunks, 50 three-pointers, and 100 free throws, the other being the consensus No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg.
In contrast, Ace Bailey`s performance was more modest. He scored eight points on 3 of 13 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds, and made one notable block. He didn`t stuff the stat sheet to the same extent as Edgecombe, but he did demonstrate flashes of his athleticism.
Edgecombe certainly appeared to be the more impressive young star in this initial head-to-head meeting with Bailey, but given their draft positions and potential, this is surely just the first of many future matchups between the two prospects.
Jasper Hawthorne