Could the 76ers have drafted differently? Re-drafting the 2025 class reveals stark contrasts between Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe's skills and playstyles.
In Bleacher Report's recent 2025 NBA re-draft, the Philadelphia 76ers were projected to take Dylan Harper at No. 3, with VJ Edgecombe sliding to the Charlotte Hornets. That hypothetical switch highlights how different the two rookies are, even though both project as high-level NBA players.
Harper brings a skillset that is slowly becoming the modern ideal for the lead guard position. At 6'6" and 220 pounds, Harper is strong, has a good eye for a pass, and can get to the rim and finish at will. His 4.3 rim attempts are in the 99th percentile league-wide, and his field goal percentage from there will only continue to go up.
What stands out the most about Harper is his ability to get to his spots. He has a strong handle to go along with great stop-and-start speed. This allows him to dictate the pace of a possession as the primary initiator. Harper's ceiling as a lead creator is sky-high, as his combination of size, speed, and feel will allow him to score and create for others at the highest level.
That contrasts directly with Edgecombe, who profiles as a more explosive two-way wing. His shooting has been better than most would have imagined, sitting at 35.7% at 5 attempts a night. Edgecombe combines this shooting touch with constant drives to the rim, as he ranks in the 91st percentile in rim attempts. He also doesn't need the ball to be effective, making him a cleaner fit beside other star players.
For Philadelphia, the difference between these two players comes down to role and identity. Pairing Harper with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid would give the 76ers another primary creator, something that could elevate their half-court offense. Harper's presence would allow Maxey to play more off the ball, where his speed and shooting can be utilized in DHO sets.
However, the fit would require adjustments. With Embiid and Maxey commanding touches, Harper would need to find a balance between initiating and complementing. This would be a bit more difficult to manage on the 76ers than the Spurs. San Antonio is far less isolation-heavy than the 76ers, so there would be some growing pains getting used to a system so reliant on stars to create for themselves.
That said, the upside is clear. In playoff settings, where half-court execution becomes critical, having multiple players who can create their own shot is invaluable. Harper would give Philadelphia another layer in that regard and potentially raise the team's ceiling.
Overall, the decision between Harper and Edgecombe reflects two different paths. Edgecombe supports what the 76ers already are by bolstering the team's transition play and scoring punch, while Harper would stabilize the half-court offense and make others around him better with his play.
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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at dixonwesley286@gmail.com.