Sixers' VJ Edgecombe Embraces Jazz Rookie Ace Bailey After Win

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Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe and Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey, who were both top draft picks in 2026, embraced after the Sixers' 126-116 win over the Jazz on Saturday night. Edgecombe, who was selected 3rd overall by the Sixers, scored 22 points, while Bailey, the 5th overall pick by the Jazz, had 25 points in the matchup.

Why it matters

The interaction between the two young stars, who were both highly touted prospects coming out of college, shows the mutual respect and camaraderie between top NBA draft picks, even when they are competing against each other on the court.

The details

The Sixers held the 3rd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and chose VJ Edgecombe, while the Jazz selected Ace Bailey with the 5th pick. In their first matchup as professionals, Edgecombe's Sixers defeated Bailey's Jazz 126-116, with Edgecombe scoring 22 points and Bailey adding 25. After the game, the two rookies embraced, and Edgecombe later posted about Bailey on Instagram, showing the bond between the young players.

• The 2026 NBA Draft took place in June.
• The Sixers and Jazz played each other on Saturday, March 22, 2026.

What’s next

The Sixers will look to build on their win over the Jazz when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, March 24, 2026.