2025 NBA Draft Shock: Will Ace Bailey or VJ Edgecombe Claim the Coveted No. 3 Pick?

The 2025 NBA Draft’s spotlight shines brightest starting at the third pick—because let’s face it, the first two selections are already etched in stone. Duke’s Cooper Flagg is undoubtedly Dallas’ pick at No. 1—no trades here, not a chance. Then comes Rutgers’ Dylan Harper slotting in at No. 2, likely heading to San Antonio, who might entertain trade proposals but won’t budge unless it’s a monumental offer—think Giannis-level seismic. Now, here’s where the intrigue really kicks in: NBC Sports’ fresh mock draft places Rutgers’ Ace Bailey at No. 3 with Philadelphia, followed by Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe at No. 4 to Charlotte. Yet, the fate of these two spots is anything but guaranteed. With the Philadelphia 76ers holding the third pick—and being a team led by the fearless Daryl Morey ready to shake things up—the decision between Bailey’s sky-high potential but polarizing game versus Edgecombe’s two-way versatility and elite athleticism makes for a tantalizing chess match. At draft time, it’s the gamble on upside that usually wins—or does it? The unfolding drama around who actually makes the call at No. 3, and whether trade night antics will scramble predictions, keeps us all on the edge. This draft might just redefine the future of the franchises involved—or leave them wondering what could have been.

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While drafting Bailey to pair with younger star Tyrese Maxey and the promising Jared McCain would create a clear future timeline for the team, the 76ers have Joel Embiid and Paul George on the roster now and are committed to winning with them. If a trade is presented that makes Philly a more dangerous threat in what should be a wide-open East next season, Morey will have to strongly consider it.If he gets to No. 3.What makes him polarizing is that some executives and scouts doubt his ability to live up to that potential. He lived on a diet of tough shots at Rutgers, and while he made them that is harder to do against defenders at the next level. He didn’t draw a lot of fouls and shot 69.2% from the line. While he could be a future All-Star if he plays a simplified game and focuses on efficiency, some executives and scouts fear that he may not do so and become a role player who never lives up to the hype.

Bailey no lock at No. 3

The 2025 NBA Draft starts at No. 3.

That team moving up to that third pick may feel differently about Bailey, who is a polarizing player, something ESPN’s Jeremy Woo wrote about in their latest mock draft.At the draft, upside tends to win out — when picking as high as third, GMs don’t want to pass on the potential future All-Star. Doing so could lead to hard questions in a couple of years from fans and ownership about why they made the pick they did. It’s not a good look for a guy trying to hang onto his job. Which is why Bailey likely goes third, but it is far from a lock. And a lot depends on draft-night trades that could shake up the top of the board.
The main reason there is uncertainty about Bailey going No. 3 is that there is uncertainty about who will be drafting third. Thanks to the lucky bounces of the lottery ping-pong balls, the Philadelphia 76ers own that pick and are open to trading down. This is a win-now team run by Daryl Morey, someone who never shies away from a bold move. The question isn’t Bailey’s potential — he might have the second-highest ceiling of any player in this draft (behind Flagg). Bailey checks all the boxes of a prototypical modern NBA wing or stretch four: Good size at 6’8″, freak athlete, creates his own shot, and can shoot the 3. He averaged 18.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game last season.The first two spots are a lock: Duke’s Cooper Flagg is going No. 1 to Dallas (there is zero chance they trade this pick) and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper will be taken No. 2, very likely by San Antonio (the Spurs will listen to trade offers, but unless it’s a Giannis Antetokounmpo-level deal they will hold on to the pick).

Edgecombe brings two-way play

Edgecombe had “an excellent interview with the Hornets,” reports Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports. He seems a natural fit in Charlotte as the two guard between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller because he is arguably the best athlete in this class and is an elite defender (which is needed next to Ball), plus he shot 36.4% from 3 last season. Edgecombe can get out in transition and moves well off the ball, which would be a hand-in-glove fit with Ball.

VJ Edgecombe is the most explosive athlete in this class, but shows quite a bit of skill as well. He’s an event-creator defensively who hit 39% of his 3s in Big 12 play with improving shot-creation and passing prowess that bodes well for his long-term development. pic.twitter.com/aIwf9EGLS4In NBC Sports’ latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft, we have Rutgers’ Ace Bailey going No. 3 to Philadelphia and Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe going No. 4 to Charlotte. While that is the most likely outcome, those two picks are far less certain.A team that trades up to the No. 3 spot may be more interested in the athleticism, two-way play and higher floor of Edgecombe over having to work to develop Bailey. If so, they could take Edgecombe third and leave Bailey to Charlotte. Some mock drafts see it that way, although it’s difficult to pick because it depends on who has the No. 3 selection when Adam Silver walks to the podium.