In the NBA draft back in June, the Philadelphia 76ers faced a pivotal choice between VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey. Holding the No. 3 pick, with top prospects Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper already selected, the Sixers zeroed in on Edgecombe and Bailey as their prime options.
Philadelphia ultimately went with Edgecombe, and he's been a standout in his rookie season. Averaging 15.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, he's become a key player for a Sixers squad with eyes on making waves in the Eastern Conference.
Bailey, meanwhile, landed with the Utah Jazz at No. 5 and is carving out a solid rookie campaign himself, putting up 13.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and a 35.2% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. In their recent head-to-head matchup, Edgecombe dropped 22 points, while Bailey countered with 25, but it was Philadelphia who emerged victorious, 126-116.
Post-game, the camaraderie between the two was evident as they embraced, with Edgecombe later expressing his respect for Bailey on Instagram.
With this win, the Sixers climbed to the No. 7 seed in the East. They'll aim to maintain their momentum against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.