The NBA Summer League returned to Salt Lake City on Saturday, July 5, 2025, as the Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Utah Jazz in an eagerly anticipated matchup. The game, held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center and broadcast live on ESPN, marked the first real glimpse of top rookies and young talent from both teams as they sought to establish their footing in the league.
One of the most talked-about storylines heading into this contest was the clash between two recent first-round draft picks: V.J. Edgecombe, selected third overall by the 76ers, and Ace Bailey, the fifth overall pick by the Jazz. Edgecombe, a dynamic guard from Baylor, entered the Summer League with a reputation for explosive athleticism and a promising all-around game, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in college, along with 2.1 steals per contest. Bailey, meanwhile, was a standout at Rutgers, boasting averages of 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, though his draft journey was marked by controversy as he reportedly discouraged Philadelphia and Utah from selecting him.
The 76ers and Jazz both endured challenging 2024-25 seasons, finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference and last in the Western Conference respectively, with records of 23-58 and 17-65. Neither team made the playoffs, making the Summer League a crucial opportunity to develop young players and build momentum for the future.
The game itself was a tightly contested affair, with the Jazz edging out the 76ers 93-89. Despite the loss, Philadelphia’s young core showed plenty of promise. V.J. Edgecombe led the charge with an impressive stat line of 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. His athleticism was on full display, highlighted by a coast-to-coast dunk that left fans and scouts buzzing. While his three-point shooting and ball-handling showed room for improvement, Edgecombe’s ability to find scoring opportunities and contribute across the board was a bright spot for the Sixers.
Power forward Johni Broome also made his presence felt, contributing 13 points and five rebounds, including three offensive boards. Broome demonstrated a soft touch around the basket and showed range by knocking down a couple of three-pointers, signaling his potential as a versatile frontcourt player. Adem Bona, another key figure for Philadelphia, added 16 points and eight rebounds, bringing energy and rim protection despite dealing with some foul trouble. Bona’s motor and presence on both ends of the floor set the tone for the Sixers throughout the game.
Justin Edwards, entering his second year, scored 13 points but struggled with field goal efficiency. Still, his confidence and ability to get to the free-throw line showcased his offensive potential. Meanwhile, Jalen Hood-Schifino, who started at point guard, had a challenging night against the Jazz’s defensive pressure, finishing with six points and eight assists. His entry passes, particularly to Broome, were a positive takeaway despite his struggles to get the offense flowing consistently.
Off the bench, Judah Mintz provided a spark with 11 points, attacking the basket aggressively and earning trips to the foul line. Mintz’s scoring mentality was evident, reflecting his strong performance last season with the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League, where he averaged 21.2 points per game. Alex Reese chipped in with contributions in rebounding and floor spacing, though he faced difficulties on defense as the Jazz targeted him throughout the contest.
On the Utah side, Ace Bailey attracted significant attention with his first Summer League appearance. While he showcased flashes of scoring ability and athleticism, the transition to the NBA level revealed areas needing refinement, particularly in shot selection and playmaking. Bailey’s debut was a focal point for both fans and scouts, as many are eager to see how he adapts to the professional game after a strong collegiate career.
The Jazz roster also featured other notable young talents, including Walter Clayton Jr., who arrived with the pedigree of leading Florida to a National Championship, and second-year players like Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski, who showed promising flashes in their rookie campaigns. Collier averaged 8.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds last season, though his three-point shooting at 24.9% remains an area for growth. Filipowski contributed 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, shooting 35% from beyond the arc.
Brice Sensabaugh, entering his third NBA season, continued to develop his game, improving his three-point shooting to 42.2% while averaging 10.9 points per game last year. Jaden Springer, a scrappy defender and athlete, also remains a player to watch as he seeks to establish a consistent role after moving from Philadelphia to Boston and then to Utah.
For Philadelphia, the Summer League is a critical testing ground. The team’s 2024 first-round pick Jared McCain was absent due to meniscus tear recovery, placing more responsibility on players like Edgecombe to lead the charge. The Sixers also have high hopes for players like Hunter Sallis, who was added to a two-way contract after the draft, though his shooting struggles in college present challenges. Veterans of last year’s Summer League, Judah Mintz and Keve Aluma, are also looking to solidify their NBA roles.
The Summer League is about more than just wins and losses; it’s a platform for growth, experimentation, and evaluation. Both teams are using these games to assess their young talent and determine how best to integrate them into their NBA rosters moving forward. While the Jazz entered as favorites with -230 moneyline odds and a 5.5-point spread, the 76ers showed they have a cohesive unit with players who understand their roles and are eager to prove themselves.
Looking ahead, the 76ers will continue their Summer League run in Utah before heading to Las Vegas on July 10 for a series of games that will further test their young roster. The Jazz, buoyed by the home crowd and a slightly more experienced group, will also be aiming to build on their early success.
As the NBA Summer League progresses, all eyes will remain on the development of players like Edgecombe and Bailey, whose performances could shape the future of their respective franchises. For now, the Salt Lake City showdown offered a tantalizing glimpse of the NBA stars of tomorrow, setting the stage for an exciting summer of basketball.
