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Governor Shapiro Doesn’t Think Ace Bailey is the Right Choice for the Sixers
By Kyle Pagan
Published:
What a #GOVBOMB so close to the draft! I haven’t seen this type of sports analysis from a Governor since Ed Rendell was breaking down Eagles games. Gotta be nice to know if the Gov’s future isn’t in politics he’ll always have a job to fall back on at NBCSports Philly:
How dope is it to have a Gov who can talk ball? Politics aside, whatever side of the aisle you’re on, it’s good to know you can just shoot the shit with a politician who knows ball.
We have a lot to unpack here, especially with the new report that V.J. Edgecombe sounds like the guy at #3, although he didn’t necessarily shoot well during his workout with the Sixers according to Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo at ESPN.com:
Edgecombe appears in pole position to hear his name called at No. 3 because of his unique talent, but also because Ace Bailey’s clear determination to avoid teams in this range puts Philadelphia in a difficult position, potentially selecting someone who clearly does not want to play for them.
While sources say Edgecombe appeared nervous during his private workout in Philadelphia and did not shoot the ball particularly well in an unnatural one-on-one setting, he made a strong impression in interviews and meetings, something the front office values more highly.
Ngl, the shooting is the only thing holding me back, but any team that drafts him I assume will get him in the building and re-tool his mechanics. If you’re a V.J. guy like me and you’re looking for some hope, look no further than Tyrese Maxey. He shot 29% from three at Kentucky and his career mark is currently 38%. Edgecombe shot 34% from three at Baylor, .6% less than Bailey, but he took 20 more threes. The Sixers are going to have to take another guard that can create. Edgecombe can get to the basket and jump out of the building from the wing. The first time he dunks over Jaylen Brown people are going to call for his jersey to be hung in the rafters.
The Gov is right about drafting another guard. Especially one that isn’t as lengthy as the ones you see in OKC. I think Edgecombe’s explosiveness, defense, and flashes of shooting are worth the risk. All I know is it’s not Ace Bailey. Everything I’ve seen over the last month I want no part of. The refusal to work out for teams, cancelling multiple workouts with the Sixers, and THIS!
I can’t un-see that.
Not to mention Daryl is drafting for his Sixers career here. Can he really afford to wait for Bailey to develop? Absolutely not, because he won’t be here. I just feel like people that want Bailey are people who remember how exciting potential was during The Process. It’s the potential that kills you. How many guys did we think had potential and they just withered? I feel like we’re seeing all signs in front of us that are telling us not to draft Ace Bailey.
V-J DAY is fast approaching people!
Kyle writes blog posts and does Man on the Street-style videos all around Philadelphia. He graduated from Temple University (a basketball school) in 2015. contact: k.pagan@sportradar.com