The opening day of Utah Summer League gave viewers a captivating sight. The 76ers and Jazz, spearheaded by high-profile rookies VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey, took center stage beneath the gleaming lights at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City.
It was an appropriate face-off. Bailey was linked with Philadelphia at No. 3 before seemingly taking himself out of contention for the selection after declining a workout and interview with the organization. Edgecombe, the springy Baylor alum, summarily filled in his place, his athletic gifts and two-way versatility proving too enticing for the Sixers to pass up.
Bailey surprisingly landed in Utah at No. 5. His pre-draft process made him a lightning rod for criticism from basketball talking heads. Saturday’s outing figured to be a platform for him to assuage all doubts—or perhaps reiterate them. What better player to challenge himself against than Edgecombe?
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So, just which rookie performed best atop the SLC hardwood on Sunday night? The Sporting News takes a look at the numbers behind Edgecombe and Bailey’s Summer League debuts.
VJ Edgecombe vs. Ace Bailey stats
Final score: Jazz 93, 76ers 89
| VJ Edgecombe | Ace Bailey | |
| 29 | Minutes | 25 |
| 28 | Points | 8 |
| 10 | Rebounds | 6 |
| 4 | Assists | 1 |
| 1 | Steals | 1 |
| 2 | Blocks | 1 |
| 2 | TOs | 0 |
| 1 | Fouls | 3 |
| 13-27 | FGs | 3-13 |
| 1-7 | 3FGs | 1-5 |
| 1-3 | FTs | 1-2 |
Edgecombe and Bailey enjoyed vastly different displays on Saturday night. Whereas Edgecombe showcased his high-level athleticism, particularly at the cup, Bailey toiled, unable to find his target amid a flurry of Philadelphia defenders.
Bailey produced just 7 points on 3-of-13 shooting. He was solid if unspectacular in the opening 20 minutes of action, sinking three of his first seven attempts.
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The third and fourth frames proved a far more challenging affair. Bailey is renowned for his ability to sink contested shot attempts, particularly with his jumper. That skill failed him against the 76ers; he missed each of his last six shot attempts.
Bailey’s struggles came into sharp focus as Edgecombe slalomed to the rack. There were leaps to the rafters—both on the offensive side of the ball and on the boards. He even tacked on four assists, stinging together a strong partnership with Adem Bona.
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Edgecombe’s heroics weren’t enough to secure Philadelphia a win. Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski and Walter Clayton Jr. spearheaded a versatile Utah attack that produced just enough offense to stay out in front. Nevertheless, Edgecombe’s first foray into the professional game was a successful one.
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VJ Edgecombe vs. Ace Bailey highlights
Despite their diverging showings, both Edgecombe and Bailey authored up some highlight reel moments. Edgecombe produced points in a number of ways, including acrobatic lay-ins, jumpers and one rim-rattling dunk.
first summer league buckets for our two draftees. 🪣 pic.twitter.com/xA4WNOZUsN
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 6, 2025
https://t.co/Kxc2t8iS9b pic.twitter.com/jIZHXi65ko
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 6, 2025
smooth as butter. 🧈 pic.twitter.com/qoLAf6U3cb
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 6, 2025
that rookie connection. https://t.co/TGqFVfL4sY pic.twitter.com/pN3vZLs9TC
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 6, 2025
defense into offense. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/QnuMfr83bg
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 6, 2025
Things were a little more labored for Bailey. His first basket as a pro did require some extra effort.
need another angle?
got ya 🤝 pic.twitter.com/RScx2flbic
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 6, 2025
The future beckons for both Edgecombe and Bailey. On Saturday, it was the former who landed the more significant opening strike. It’ll be interesting to see if such a dynamic will hold for the remainder of summer league ball.
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