The Philadelphia 76ers will find themselves on the clock later today, June 25, as the first round of the 2025 NBA takes place. Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, has the third overall pick at his disposal.
Morey can either use the pick, look to trade out of the draft for a ready-made veteran, or package the pick to move further back in the draft. With so many choices available to him, Sixers fans are likely unsure of how things will play out.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Sixers could potentially look to package the third overall pick with veteran All-Star Paul George to move back in the draft and receive a ready-made contributor.
“I don’t know what Philadelphia is going to do here,” Mannix said via “The Bill Simmons Show” podcast. “Do they just sit on that draft pick and take it? Or do they try to package it? Is Paul George in play? I’ve heard some of that over the last 24 hours—that they could be looking to trade back with Paul George to do something there.”
George’s debut season in Philadelphia never went according to plan. Injuries to both him and others on the roster ensured the Sixers’ season was one to forget. As such, the Sixers’ front office could potentially look to part with George if the return makes sense.
Sixers’ Paul George is Unimpressed With Ace Bailey
During a recent episode of the “Podcast P With Paul George” podcast, Sixers forward Paul George shared his thoughts on how Bailey has conducted himself in recent weeks. The Rutgets product has declined workouts with teams around the NBA, even cancelling a workout with the Sixers just days before it was due to take place.
“If I’m Ace Bailey, I can’t get mad if my stock drops,” George said. “I can’t get mad if my stock drops. He’s canceled all workouts. He hasn’t worked out for any team…But you’re not in a position to be making those commands. Make it to the league first. It’s for sure the people around him. I don’t know who’s representing him, but I don’t think they’re going about it the right way.”
Bailey could see himself slide down the lottery on draft nights. Teams will undoubtedly be concerned with the advice he’s received and the fact that they’ve been unable to work him out or meet with him ahead of draft night.
Sixers’ Impressed With VJ Edgecombe
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, the Sixers have been impressed with what they’ve seen from VJ Edgecombe.
“Edgecombe takes over this spot from Ace Bailey in ESPN’s mock draft after a positive visit to Philadelphia, where sources say he made a strong impression in a private workout as well as in meetings with the front office and ownership,” Givony reported. “He appears to be “the leader in the clubhouse” currently.”
Edgecombe could emerge as the Sixers’ pick if they stick at the third-overall spot. His ball-handling and explosiveness would improve the current roster. Of course, Morey will likely need to decline mutliple trade offers to retain the current draft pick. So, he must be sure that Edgecombe is what’s right for the franchise’s future.
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