Oklahoma City — VJ Edgecombe is establishing a reputation for his exceptional patience and composure on the basketball court as he embarks on his NBA career. Selected as the third overall pick in the June draft, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard is demonstrating his ability to prioritize team success over personal scoring, especially while sharing the floor with the Philadelphia 76ers’ star trio of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George.
“My ultimate goal is just winning,” Edgecombe emphasized. “I know I was picked [No. 3], but they brought me here to make plays. We have three prolific scorers; I don’t have to score all the time.” He articulated a commitment to stay aggressive while also being willing to take on defensive responsibilities or facilitate plays for his teammates as needed.
Edgecombe’s aggressive style has made him a highlight reel in his own right, with his high-flying dunks and overall skill showcasing his potential. His season debut against the Boston Celtics on October 22 was particularly electrifying; he scored 34 points, ranking him among legends with the third-highest scoring debut in NBA history. This performance placed him alongside Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain and future Hall of Famer LeBron James.
During that debut, Edgecombe set a record for the most points in the first quarter of an NBA debut, with 14 points, surpassing James’ previous mark of 12. Although Embiid returned to action for that game after being sidelined since February, and George was managing his left knee, Edgecombe stepped up and demonstrated his scoring capabilities at a crucial time.
As the season progresses, Edgecombe is averaging 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals. His ability to be selective with his scoring while allowing the established stars to shine has received praise from Sixers coach Nick Nurse, who noted that Edgecombe has a “really good feel for the game.” Even so, Nurse believes that there are more opportunities for the rookie to be aggressive, particularly in transition, encouraging him to draw defenders and create scoring chances.
Edgecombe’s unselfishness and awareness make him a valuable asset, both now and in the future, as he continues to develop his skills in the dynamic environment of the NBA. His focus on winning over personal accolades is a promising sign for the Sixers’ potential this season, as they look to capitalize on the talent of their roster and build a competitive team.