The NBA Summer time League matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz on Saturday night time was fascinating for extra causes than one. Not solely did these two groups boast top-five choices within the 2025 NBA Draft, however one franchise handed on one participant for the opposite.
Ace Bailey out of Rutgers was thought of to be a top-three expertise on this class, however his choice to not work out for groups through the pre-draft course of raised some crimson flags. Whereas he was generally mocked to the 76ers at No. 3 general, Philly finally made the choice to go on Bailey for Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, and it was Edgecombe who regarded like the very best participant on the ground Saturday night time regardless of Philly’s 93-89 shedding effort.
The 19-year-old poured in a game-high 28 factors on 13 of 27 taking pictures, hauled in 10 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, made two blocks and had simply two turnovers. Whereas Edgecombe struggled from past the arc (1 of seven) and from the charity stripe (1 of three), it will not take away from the truth that his Summer time League debut was a powerful success.
Edgecombe regarded comfy driving the lane and ending with strain in his face. He was clearly robust to comprise when attacking the rim, and in addition put just a few fairly mid-range jumpers on tape.
It was only one Summer time League sport, however the future does look vivid in Philadelphia. Edgecombe was the 2025 Huge 12 Freshman of the 12 months, main all convention freshmen in factors per sport (15.0) and steals per sport (2.1). He was simply one among two Division I gamers with 30 dunks, 50 three pointers and 100 free throws final season, the opposite being No. 1 general choose Cooper Flagg.
As for Bailey, he scored eight factors on 3 of 13 taking pictures whereas additionally grabbing seven rebounds and making one spectacular block. He did not have the identical stat-sheet-stuffing sort of night time Edgecombe did, however he did showcase his athleticism.
Edgecombe could have regarded just like the younger star to observe in his first matchup vs. Bailey, however it absolutely will not be their final assembly.