At long last, the 2025 NBA Draft is finally here. Similar to most years, the first selection is all but guaranteed; Duke’s Cooper Flagg will go to the Mavericks. Rutgers’ Dylan Harper is all but a lock to join the Spurs at pick #2. After that, things get interesting. The 76ers possess tonight’s third selection, and the rumor mill is buzzing over who they might take. Almost every top-flight guard or forward is a fit on this roster, making this the draft’s first wildcard pick. What direction will Philadelphia take when it’s their turn on the clock?
DraftKings Sportsbook is offering several enticing NBA Draft props ahead of tonight’s festivities. Let’s break down which player the 76ers will target with the third overall pick.
V.J. Edgecombe third overall pick (-350)
Never say never in the NBA Draft, but the pick here can be narrowed down to a few names. These four are listed with their DraftKings Sportsbook odds of being taken with pick #3:
- V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor (-350)
- Tre Johnson, Texas (+500)
- Ace Bailey, Rutgers (+700)
- Kon Knueppel, Duke (+700)
Just a month ago, Ace Bailey was predicted by most analysts to be taken in this spot. The Rutgers star, who played alongside Harper this season, has been NBA-bound since his high school days. However, it’s been a perplexing pre-draft process for the 18-year-old. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported that Bailey had declined a workout with Philadelphia, preferring to play with the Nets, Wizards or Pelicans.
Instead, Edgecombe is now viewed as the odds-on favorite, and for good reason. The guard doesn’t possess Bailey’s elite scoring skills, but he can do almost anything on the court. Last season, the Baylor alum averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 43.6% from the field. On an already star-studded offense, the 76ers need someone that can fit in as a third or fourth option. Elite defensive skills (2.1 STL, 0.6 BLK) make Edgecombe one of the draft’s premier two-way players.
Still, this pick isn’t a lock just yet. Texas’ Tre Johnson has been a fast riser up draft boards. The guard led all freshman in scoring last year, putting up 19.9 points per game. In addition, the youngster was not utilized to his full potential with the Longhorns. Philadelphia and general manager Daryl Morey could fall in love with Johnson’s phenomenal shooting ability (39.7 3PT%). However, the 6’6″ scorer is still a work in progress. Questionable shot IQ and defensive lapses are something to monitor. For a 76ers squad looking to win now, those traits could be a concern.
Speaking of shooters, Kon Knueppel also has a chance at being taken at #3. Despite playing alongside the biggest name in college basketball, Duke’s ‘other’ superstar made a name for himself this season. Over 39 games, the guard put up 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Much like Johnson, the Wisconsin native is phenomenal from beyond the arc (40.6 3PT%). However, he’s the worst athlete of the group being considered at this spot. That could be a drawback on any roster, including Philly.
Having weighed out the pros and cons to these four names, the choice here feels obvious. A dark horse can’t be ruled out at this point, but it seems unlikely. At such a high price tag, Edgecombe to the 76ers is as close to a lock as it gets.
