Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe, projected to be selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA draft, drew high praise from veteran Sixers star Paul George. Speaking on Tuesday during Podcast P with Paul George, George compared Edgecombe’s playing style and mentality to that of NBA standout Jimmy Butler, emphasizing Edgecombe’s toughness and versatility on both ends of the court.
Paul George’s Comparison to Jimmy Butler
George described Edgecombe as a player with significant upside, saying,
“I like him, I like his upside. To me, I think he’s kind of like Jimmy Butler,”
emphasizing the youngster’s relentless intensity and defensive ability. He added,
“Just a dog, plays hard, plays both ends and just has that toughness about him.”
This comparison highlights the kind of two-way competitiveness Edgecombe brings, a trait highly valued on a team seeking championship contention.
Expert Predictions and Sixers’ Interest in Edgecombe
Industry experts have increasingly linked Edgecombe with the 76ers. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report recently predicted that Philadelphia would choose Edgecombe over Rutgers wing Ace Bailey with their third pick. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that after a strong pre-draft workout, the Sixers grew intrigued by Edgecombe’s fit alongside their current core. Fischer noted,
“Edgecombe is said to have impressed with his work ethic, personality and interviews,”
and described how Edgecombe’s engagement extended beyond the court, including a dinner with team president Daryl Morey and attendance from All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey.
Fischer added,
“The Sixers are certainly intrigued by what type of defensive complement Edgecombe could provide their All-Star guard, sources say, in addition to his explosive upside on the offensive side of the ball.”
This interest underscores Philadelphia’s desire to add a player who can contribute immediately while developing into a multifaceted talent.
Edgecombe’s Performance at Baylor and International Stage
Last season at Baylor, Edgecombe averaged solid numbers with 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, showcasing his all-around contributions. Paul George revealed he first took notice of Edgecombe’s abilities while watching him compete for the Bahamas national team during the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia. George recalled,
“It’s almost funny, because watching it, he stood out, but I didn’t know the name,”
noting that Edgecombe excelled against high-level competition at a young age.
He continued,
“I didn’t know that was the player who went to Baylor, and that’s who the kid was. But watching him, and they said how young he was, I was like, he’s competing, playing against top talent and he’s dunking on them, blowing by them. He was making an impact, he was an impactful player.”
This early exposure to Edgecombe’s skill set impressed George and raised expectations for his transition to the NBA.
Looking Ahead to Edgecombe’s Role with the 76ers
Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, Paul George and V.J. Edgecombe could soon be teammates on the Philadelphia 76ers roster. George’s public endorsement and detailed observations suggest that Edgecombe’s presence could bolster the team’s defense and versatility. His proven toughness and offensive potential signal a promising addition to a squad aiming to elevate its championship aspirations through the 2025 season and beyond.