NBA draft grades roundup: Was VJ Edgecombe the right pick for the Sixers?
With the third overall pick in the first round of the NBA draft Wednesday night, the Sixers selected former Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe. The 6-foot-4 player will join a room full of young guards, including Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey. Here’s what experts thinks about the pick — and how they grade it.
With the third overall pick in the first round of the NBA draft Wednesday night, the Sixers selected former Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe. The 6-foot-4 player will join a room full of young guards, including Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey. Here’s what experts thinks about the pick — and how they grade it.
Yahoo! Sports: A-
Yahoo! Sports loved the pick for the Sixers, saying it “makes total sense.” The outlet gave Daryl Morey and Co. a nearly perfect A- for the night.
Yahoo! Sports: A-
Yahoo! Sports loved the pick for the Sixers, saying it “makes total sense.” The outlet gave Daryl Morey and Co. a nearly perfect A- for the night.
What they’re saying: “He pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown, spot-up jumper and fearless slashing. Though he needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator, the Sixers have enough in that department as is, so Edgecombe should get time to develop on his own timeline.” — Kevin O’Connor
What they’re saying: “He pairs his elite athleticism with a knockdown, spot-up jumper and fearless slashing. Though he needs to improve his shot creation to become more of a primary creator, the Sixers have enough in that department as is, so Edgecombe should get time to develop on his own timeline.” — Kevin O’Connor
Bleacher Report: A-
After the drama with Ace Bailey, Bleacher Report believes the Sixers “handled it well” — ultimately drafting Edgecombe at No. 3. They also gave the Sixers an A- for the pick.
Bleacher Report: A-
After the drama with Ace Bailey, Bleacher Report believes the Sixers “handled it well” — ultimately drafting Edgecombe at No. 3. They also gave the Sixers an A- for the pick.
What they’re saying: “Edgecombe looks like a plug-and-play option for a Philadelphia team that could have plenty to play for next season if it ever catches a break on the health front. ... Save for ideal size (6'4", 193 lbs), Edgecombe has everything you'd want in a defensive stopper." — Zach Buckley
What they’re saying: “Edgecombe looks like a plug-and-play option for a Philadelphia team that could have plenty to play for next season if it ever catches a break on the health front. ... Save for ideal size (6'4", 193 lbs), Edgecombe has everything you'd want in a defensive stopper." — Zach Buckley
NBC Sports: A-
NBC Sports believes it may have been the “wise move” not trading the pick and drafting Edgecombe in the process. They're the third straight outlet to give the team an A- for the pick, but they think Edgecombe can make an immediate impact.
NBC Sports: A-
NBC Sports believes it may have been the “wise move” not trading the pick and drafting Edgecombe in the process. They're the third straight outlet to give the team an A- for the pick, but they think Edgecombe can make an immediate impact.
What they’re saying: “Edgecombe could be a good fit in Philly, starting next season. He’s an elite defender and athlete, who has developed a shot. … He knows how to use his athleticism as a cutter or in transition to get buckets, which should be a good fit playing off Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.” — Kurt Helin
What they’re saying: “Edgecombe could be a good fit in Philly, starting next season. He’s an elite defender and athlete, who has developed a shot. … He knows how to use his athleticism as a cutter or in transition to get buckets, which should be a good fit playing off Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.” — Kurt Helin
Sports Illustrated: B+
Sports Illustrated believes Edgecombe may have been the best fit for the Sixers. But that wasn't enough to earn Morey an A. Instead, they gave the team a B+ for the pick.
Sports Illustrated: B+
Sports Illustrated believes Edgecombe may have been the best fit for the Sixers. But that wasn't enough to earn Morey an A. Instead, they gave the team a B+ for the pick.
What they’re saying: “Edgecombe may not be the highest-ceiling pick on the board, but he’s likely the best fit for a Sixers organization that is still focused on winning and has established pieces around him in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey." — Kevin Sweeney
What they’re saying: “Edgecombe may not be the highest-ceiling pick on the board, but he’s likely the best fit for a Sixers organization that is still focused on winning and has established pieces around him in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey." — Kevin Sweeney
Sporting News: B+
Sporting News also gave the Sixers a B+ for picking up the former Baylor guard with the third overall pick.
Sporting News: B+
Sporting News also gave the Sixers a B+ for picking up the former Baylor guard with the third overall pick.
What they're saying: "Edgecombe is a fearsome competitor who was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year with averages of 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Given his physical profile, Edgecombe can thrive right away on the defensive end, and he’ll also benefit from NBA spacing." — Gilbert McGregor
What they're saying: "Edgecombe is a fearsome competitor who was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year with averages of 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Given his physical profile, Edgecombe can thrive right away on the defensive end, and he’ll also benefit from NBA spacing." — Gilbert McGregor
CBS Sports: B
CBS Sports believes it was a “solid but not spectacular” choice from the Sixers, which begs the question: Was there a more "spectacular" option out there — and if so, who? Anyway, they gave the team a B for Edgecombe pick.
CBS Sports: B
CBS Sports believes it was a “solid but not spectacular” choice from the Sixers, which begs the question: Was there a more "spectacular" option out there — and if so, who? Anyway, they gave the team a B for Edgecombe pick.
What they’re saying: “He can put a ton of pressure on the rim but he needs growth with his guard skills, particularly making spot up 3s and being a primary ball handler. I don't know how much he can help drive winning right away but he's a very quality." — Adam Finkelstein and Kyle Boone
What they’re saying: “He can put a ton of pressure on the rim but he needs growth with his guard skills, particularly making spot up 3s and being a primary ball handler. I don't know how much he can help drive winning right away but he's a very quality." — Adam Finkelstein and Kyle Boone
USA Today: B
After an unusual pre-draft process for the Sixers, USA Today gave the team a B for its No. 3 overall pick, as they wonder how Edgecombe will fit alongside fellow guards Maxey and McCain.
USA Today: B
After an unusual pre-draft process for the Sixers, USA Today gave the team a B for its No. 3 overall pick, as they wonder how Edgecombe will fit alongside fellow guards Maxey and McCain.
What they’re saying: “He isn’t exactly the most seamless fit alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, but he is a solid defensive playmaker who can shoot the ball well. He is also an excellent athlete who can get to the rim and dunk the basketball.” — Bryan Kalbrosky
What they’re saying: “He isn’t exactly the most seamless fit alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, but he is a solid defensive playmaker who can shoot the ball well. He is also an excellent athlete who can get to the rim and dunk the basketball.” — Bryan Kalbrosky