Daryl Morey got it right.

I don’t need three years of evidence before forming an opinion on the Sixers selection at No. 3 last night. And this has little to do with my recommendation to draft V.J. Edgecombe out of Baylor.

Instead, this is all about Edgecombe, what he brings to the table, and the kind of personality and player the Sixers have lacked for too long.

Watch 30 seconds of Edgecombe’s highlights or listen to him talk and you’ll likely come away thinking the same thing I have.

This kid is a culture setter.

For years, the Sixers culture has stunk. It started with The Process, when losing was allowed. It was furthered with the selection of Ben Simmons, a star only in his own mind. It was worsened with the trade for James Harden, a Hall of Fame player without a clue how to pursue a title. It’s been cemented by Joel Embiid, a player that wilts in the toughest moments.

Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain seem to have their heads on straight, which helps. But if a team’s identity is going to change, it helps if that personality is a defender.

This Edgecombe quote last night says it all.

“I just hate to see people score,” Edgecombe said. “I love playing defense. I know that I can play on the floor if I’m not scoring. I want to be an all-around versatile player. I want to be an elite defender. That comes with grit. I just don’t like seeing other people score. I hate seeing other people score. I hate to lose. That’s why I play defense the way I do.”

He wanted to be here. He loves defense. He hates to lose.

It’s the best Sixers quote in years.

A culture changer has arrived.

I can’t believe Rob Thomson let Johan Rojas bat against Josh Hader.

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