3rd NBA Draft pick shines in Summer League debut with Philadelphia

VJ Edgecombe made a strong impression in his first official game wearing the Philadelphia 76ers colors. The 6’5″ guard, selected third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, delivered a remarkable performance with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in a 93-89 loss to the Utah Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League opener.

The former college player showed particular efficiency shooting 13-for-27 from the field, already demonstrating his offensive potential at the professional level. Edgecombe also added one steal and two blocks to his stat line, confirming his impact on both ends of the floor.

Ace Bailey vs VJ Edgecombe tonight pic.twitter.com/U6gzBoyOEt

— Real Sports (@realapp_) July 6, 2025

A frustrating but promising finish for the future

Despite his exceptional performance, Edgecombe couldn’t secure the victory for Philadelphia. In the final moments, the rookie missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer, allowing the Jazz to narrowly escape with the win.

This first Summer League appearance provides an encouraging preview for the 76ers, who are counting on Edgecombe as the star player of their summer roster. However, the young guard will need to adapt to a different role once the regular season begins, where he’ll play alongside the team’s established stars.

Edgecombe’s performance contrasts with that of Ace Bailey, the 5th draft pick selected by Utah, who scored only 8 points on 3-for-13 shooting. However, Bailey had the last laugh by securing the crucial defensive rebound in the final seconds and converting the game-winning free throw.

This first Summer League game perfectly illustrates the challenges rookies face in their transition to professional basketball, balancing tactical adaptation and pressure in key moments.