During the 2025 NBA Draft on June 28 in Philadelphia, unexpected developments shaped the selection of Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe by the Philadelphia 76ers, as revealed by Paul George. The seasoned forward shared critical insights into the recruitment process while highlighting Edgecombe’s unique draft-day experience, which contrasted greatly with his own. This story deepens understanding of the behind-the-scenes dynamics in the 76ers’ roster-building efforts, emphasizing Paul George 76ers recruitment details.
Unfolding of the 2025 NBA Draft and VJ Edgecombe’s Unexpected Selection
The 2025 NBA Draft featured an intriguing turn when the Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick despite having just a 1.8% probability, choosing Duke’s Cooper Flagg. Following them, Dylan Harper went second, while Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe was taken third by the 76ers. Edgecombe’s rise was notable since Ace Bailey, once considered a likely third pick, slid to fifth, underscoring unpredictability in draft projections. Significantly, VJ joined Philadelphia’s promising core alongside veterans like Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey without participating in multiple team workouts, a rarity for top prospects.
Paul George reflected on the stark difference between their draft experiences. Selected 10th overall in 2010, George underwent workouts with nearly every lottery team to showcase his skills. “This is my tenth,” he recalled wryly during his Podcast P appearances, describing how he and other prospects often travelled together. Compared to George’s intensive 18 workout sessions, VJ’s ability to earn a high pick without such extensive exposure spoke volumes about his impression on Philadelphia’s decision-makers.
VJ Edgecombe’s Draft-Day Nerves and the Silent Confidence Behind the Scenes
On Podcast P, interviewer Jackie Long asked VJ if he anticipated going third overall. Edgecombe responded candidly,
“I felt like and I felt like I fit in to the team and the culture and all that, so I’m like, why not? And I’m going for any pick.”
Despite this confidence, he admitted to the tension caused by the lack of direct feedback from teams during pre-draft workouts.
“If it was up to me, I would have worked out for Dallas if it was up to me. ‘Cause I wanna go as high as possible,”
he acknowledged, showing his ambitious mindset amid uncertainty.
Paul George shed light on Philadelphia’s decision timeline, stating,
“By the end of the day they was like ‘we know who we taking… They felt strong at that point… VJ’s our guy.’”
Yet VJ remained in the dark until moments before hearing his name called.
“I ain’t know till like fifteen seconds before they call my name,”
he revealed, emphasizing the intense suspense that defines draft night.
Paul George’s Encouragement for the Young Prospect and Sixers’ Defensive Focus
George expressed enthusiasm about what Edgecombe brings to the 76ers, particularly his defensive potential.
“We need more defenders… We need flyers,”
George insisted, underscoring the team’s strategic focus. He also advised the rookie to maintain authenticity,
“As a rookie, don’t come in on some, I just wanna fit in, like bring what you do. Be you.”
With rising talents like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain already on the roster, Edgecombe’s arrival completes a youthful core aimed at sustainable success, despite his absence from summer league action due to injury.
Edgecombe’s climb serves as an example that a single powerful impression can outweigh extensive pre-draft evaluations, hinting at evolving trends in NBA scouting and recruitment.
Assessing Paul George’s Enduring Impact and His Role with the 76ers
While Paul George’s prime years may be behind him, his legacy remains a topic of discussion among NBA followers. Recently ranked No. 78 on Bleacher Report’s all-time greatest players list, George’s career averages of 20.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists illustrate his comprehensive contributions. His tenure with the Indiana Pacers, where he steered the team to consecutive Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014, still stands out as a highlight. According to Bleacher Report,
“During a stretch from 2014 to around 2019, your nerdiest NBA friend might have made the case that George was one of the five best players in the league.”
George’s 2019 MVP runner-up season with the Oklahoma City Thunder remains a peak performance indicator, though his time with the Los Angeles Clippers was hampered by injuries. Currently with the Philadelphia 76ers, his lucrative $211.6 million contract has drawn scrutiny due to limited availability and a decrease in production, averaging 16.2 points in only 41 healthy games. Despite this, his versatility continues to be a valuable asset. As noted,
“George was a fully scalable superstar during his prime,”
capable of orchestrating offense, defending elite scorers, and making crucial shots.
Implications for the 76ers and the Future of Edgecombe
The 76ers’ choice to select VJ Edgecombe third overall and Paul George’s involvement in the recruitment process signal a commitment to blending experience with emerging talent. Edgecombe’s unconventional draft path and George’s endorsement highlight the changing landscape of team-building, where standout individual impressions may substitute for traditional, exhaustive workouts.
As Edgecombe recovers from injury and prepares to integrate into Philadelphia’s system, expectations are high that his defensive skills and cultural fit will bolster the team’s ambitions. Paul George’s mentorship is likely to accelerate this transition, offering stability to one of the NBA’s youngest promising cores. The unfolding seasons will reveal how these recruitment decisions translate into on-court results and the 76ers’ pursuit of championship contention.