Dominick Barlow’s homecoming with Philadelphia opens an inside track for a two-way run, leveraging a strong summer showing (60% FG, 19 points in his debut) to push for rotation minutes. His 6-foot-9 frame anchors defense and rebounding, though shooting from long range remains a work in progress. With the 76ers leaning on two-way depth, a string of injuries or slumps could grant him a real extended look.

The Sixers’ recent two-way history—Edwards, Dowtin, Butler—has kept roster churn high; if that pattern continues, Barlow’s path to a longer stay hinges on defense, versatility, and readiness in spot minutes rather than floor-spacing prowess. If Philly’s lottery-bound hopes hinge on timely depth, he might seize the moment when called upon.

VJ Edgecombe, the Philadelphia 76ers' rookie shooting guard selected third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, expressed a notable disdain for college basketball during a recent podcast with teammate Paul George. Despite achieving significant stats at Baylor, averaging 15 points and 6 rebounds, Edgecombe's frustration stems from his experience of playing alongside professional teammates in the Bahamas as opposed to college-level competition. He feels that the college game restricts his offensive potential due to its lack of spacing and the absence of a three-second rule, making it challenging for players who thrive in open floor scenarios.

Even with his criticism, his transition to the NBA appears promising, especially with the presence of a veteran like Paul George on the roster. As he gears up for the professional league, the potential for growth and adaptation in his playing style could translate into a successful rookie campaign.

The Los Angeles Lakers, a storied franchise celebrating nearly 80 years in the NBA, have seen 506 players don their iconic purple and gold jerseys since their inception. Recently, Jalen Hood-Schifino, selected with the 17th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been a focal point of discussion. Despite a challenging rookie season where he struggled to find his footing, his performance in the G League showed flashes of promise.

Hood-Schifino averaged 22 points per game in the G League, a stark contrast to his 22.2% shooting in the NBA. His journey took a turn when he was traded to the Utah Jazz and later signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he had another chance to prove himself amid a slew of injuries on the team. However, he continued to face difficulties, not making the most of his increased playing time with a shooting percentage of just 37.1%.

The Philadelphia 76ers are on a mission to reclaim their competitive edge in the next NBA season, with hopes pinned on their latest rookie, V.J. Edgecombe. After a disappointing previous season marred by injuries to key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George, the team secured the No. 3 overall pick in the draft and selected Edgecombe from Baylor. He is set to join a promising core including Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, which could potentially elevate the Sixers back into title contention.

Edgecombe has expressed ambitious goals for his rookie year, stating he wants to make the All-Rookie First Team and win a championship. His confidence stems from an impressive Summer League performance and a belief in the team's talent, particularly in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. With a fully healthy roster, the 76ers could surprise many in the upcoming season.

The Brooklyn Nets aim to bounce back from their initial loss in the Las Vegas Summer League as they face the Washington Wizards. Despite falling short against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nets showcased potential, particularly with Drew Timme's impressive showing, contributing 22 points and 9 rebounds. The matchup against the Wizards, who feature high-profile young talent including sixth overall pick Tre Johnson and promising prospects Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, presents a tough challenge. Brooklyn seeks to leverage this game as a developmental opportunity for its rookie cohort, particularly looking for growth from players like Egor Demin, who is projected to step into a key role next season.