After grossly underperforming in the 2024-25 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers received an outstanding NBA Draft grade for their selections in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Failing to qualify for the Play-In Tournament gave the 76ers the third pick in the first round. The organization used that pick to select VJ Edgecombe. They also held the 35th pick in the second round and used it to draft Johni Broome.
Drafting both of these young players won’t change how last season ended, but it does show that the future of the team looks promising and in steady hands.
Does Drafting Edgecombe and Broome Warrant an A-Minus NBA Draft Grade for the Philadelphia 76ers?
According to PFSN analyst Cam Mellor, the 76ers came out as winners of the 2025 NBA Draft and deserve an A-minus grade. Despite having experienced stars like Joel Embiid and Paul George, injuries led to the 76ers falling hard in the standings. They finished the season with a 24-58 record, placing 13th in the Eastern Conference.
Mellor believes next season could look different. He wrote, “With their first pick, the Sixers grabbed VJ Edgecombe, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and one of the most explosive athletes in the class.”
“At 6-foot-5, Edgecombe plays with a high-octane motor, defensive tenacity, and the kind of athleticism that jumps off the screen. He’s not a raw athlete trying to figure things out, he’s already shown defensive versatility, sharp instincts, and a willingness to play within a system.”
Mellor continued praising Edgecombe: “That team-first mentality is what makes the pick fit so well. He isn’t coming in to carry an offense, and he doesn’t need to. He’ll thrive as a high-impact wing who pressures the ball, switches across positions, and plays with a tempo that lifts everyone around him. He gives Philly something they’ve been missing: a perimeter player who brings both juice and grit.”
He added that the young guard still has room to grow: “Edgecombe’s offensive game still needs refinement. The handle and jumper are coming along, but there are flashes of creation and unselfish passing that hint at more down the road. He’s the type of player who can immediately contribute on defense and grow into more, which makes this a savvy selection.”
Although Edgecombe studied in the U.S., he is Bahamian by descent and moved from the Bahamas in ninth grade. He attended Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School in New York. During his time there, he helped lead the team to a state title.
He later attended Baylor University, where he averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He shot 43.6% from the field, 34% from 3-point range, and 78.2% from the line. Thanks to his defense and coachability, the 76ers selected him third overall.
Mellor also shared thoughts on Broome: “With the 35th pick, Philly went the experience route by taking Johni Broome, one of college basketball’s most productive bigs. A super senior out of Auburn, Broome is as polished a post player as this class had to offer. He can score on the block, rebound at a high level, and protect the rim with strong timing and anticipation.”
Raised in Florida, Broome averaged 19.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks during his senior year of high school. He began his college career at Morehead State, then transferred to Auburn University, where he played three seasons.
In his final year at Auburn, Broome averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He shot 51% from the field and 27.8% from deep. Most notably, he recorded 2.1 blocks per game.
“Broome isn’t a modern stretch big just yet. He shot under 28% from three last season and just over 30% for his career, and he’ll have to prove he can hold his own defending in space. But he brings toughness, maturity, and immediate frontcourt depth. He’s strong, physical, and doesn’t try to do more than he should. For a team with playoff aspirations, that kind of presence off the bench matters,” Mellor said.
Mellor wrapped up his thoughts by saying, “All in all, the Sixers drafted for fit, identity, and readiness. Edgecombe injects energy and defensive edge on the wing. Broome brings strength and experience inside. Both are ready to contribute in defined roles, with room to grow into more.”
In a bit of ironic timing, the 76ers’ picks could also signal prep for a future without George and Embiid. Fans are now wondering if these rookies can provide the depth the team needs, and maybe even lead one day when the current stars are gone.
