Sixers

Daryl Morey Talks V.J. Edgecombe and Ace Bailey, Provides Joel Embiid Health Update

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Jun 25th, 2025 · 9:57 PM EDT

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Daryl Morey spoke about halfway through the first round of the NBA draft, about an hour after the selection of V.J. Edgecombe:

• The Sixers were “seriously considering” six players early in the draft process, then cut the list down to four. They whittled it down and thought Edgecombe was the best pick.
• RE: Reporting that Edgecombe was “nervous” at his workout, Morey said he puts “0.0%” stock into that. He said he likes having dinner with guys and getting to know them, but he doesn’t put a lot of value in the on-court part of player visits. It’s not a competitive session and it’s not a large part of the evaluation process.
• He says Edgecombe is strong and physical but draft picks “take a little time” to find their way in the NBA and wants fans to be mindful of that.
• A clue here perhaps: Morey thinks the Sixers will have one of the best back courts in the league, “with Grimes, and Maxey, and Jared McCain, and now V.J…” Quentin Grimes is a restricted free agent.
• A Joel Embiid health update: “Spoke to Joel today, he’s very engaged, attacking rehab, doing everything he can to be out there. He had a meeting with (doctor Jonathan Glashow) this week, to use a NASA term, all things (are) nominal. Things are going well and expected. We expect that to continue… things are on track to be ready right around (the start of training camp).“
• Morey says Ace Bailey not wanting to work out for them was “opaque.” He says they were in communication with Bailey’s agent and that the player didn’t work out for anyone, but that it had “no impact” on Sixers decision making. “I don’t try to judge, they (agent and Bailey) were doing what they thought was best for them. We were doing what was best for us.”