VJ Edgecombe, the Philadelphia 76ers' No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, is making waves with his unique passion for defense. Known for his exceptional talent, Edgecombe averaged 2.1 steals per game during his time at Baylor, showcasing his tenacity on the court. Unlike many players focused on scoring, Edgecombe's driving force is to prevent points from being scored against him.

His dedication to defense was instilled in him from a young age, where playing defense was a prerequisite to being a part of the game. As he prepares for the Salt Lake City Summer League, Edgecombe is eager to take on the challenge of transitioning to the NBA and hopes to build a reputation as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders.

The Philadelphia 76ers have added Trendon Watford on a two-year, $5.3 million deal, a strategic move in free agency aimed at bolstering their roster around their established core. Watford, who previously played for the Brooklyn Nets, averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season. His versatility and scoring ability are seen as pivotal for the Sixers to recover from a disappointing season.

Standing at 6-foot-9, Watford possesses a 7-foot-2 wingspan, enhancing his potential as a versatile player. His career stats reflect steady growth, particularly in his last season, where he achieved career highs in various categories. Known for his ability to create plays, Watford's assist percentage ranks in the 92nd percentile, indicating his potential to further develop alongside the Sixers' offensive talent. Defensively, he is recognized for his ability to handle multiple matchups, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Trendon Watford to a two-year deal worth $5.3 million as they aim to revitalize their roster after a challenging 2024-25 season. Watford, 24, averaged 10.2 points while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. This addition is seen as crucial for the Sixers as they seek to return to contention in the Eastern Conference, especially with the presence of Tyrese Maxey, who is eager to welcome his friend to the team.

Maxey has expressed excitement about the signing via Twitter, indicating that Watford's multi-faceted scoring abilities will complement his own game. The two players will look to form a dynamic partnership on the court as the Sixers work to rebound from their previous season's disappointments and aim for a deeper playoff run.

The Philadelphia 76ers face uncertainty with Guerschon Yabusele as he enters unrestricted free agency. Despite the team’s interest in bringing back both Yabusele and Quentin Grimes, the signing of Trendon Watford signals a shift that may leave Yabusele on the outside looking in. With a solid performance last season, averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 70 games, Yabusele has made a name for himself after returning from overseas. However, the 76ers' focus on roster adjustments may hinder his chances of returning.

Yabusele’s departure could open up new opportunities for him elsewhere, as he looks to build on his return to the NBA. As a player with experience in both the NBA and international leagues, he may find a team that can utilize his skills more effectively, particularly if he seeks a more significant role in the coming season.

The WNBA is set to expand to 18 teams by 2030, welcoming Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to its ranks. Cleveland will hit the court in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030, pending approval from governing bodies. The surge in demand for women's basketball is evident, with the league confirming that each new franchise will have an NBA ownership group, contributing a substantial $250 million expansion fee.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed excitement about the growth, highlighting the new teams' potential to enhance rivalries and the overall league competition. Historical ties to basketball in Detroit and Cleveland, combined with infrastructure from their previous WNBA franchises, position these cities to contribute meaningfully to the league's success.