Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe got a taste of NBA life during the Rico Hines Runs in Los Angeles, joining a high-profile group that included Julius Randle, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and veteran guard Patrick Beverley.
Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick, took part in workouts in a setting known for mixing younger talent with seasoned players. Randle, fresh off signing a $100 million extension to extend his tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves, looked sharp as the star-studded sessions continued. The runs, overseen by Rico Hines—an UCLA alum and a Sixers assistant—have long been a summer destination for players looking to sharpen their games, a point ESPN’s Dave McMenamin highlighted in a 2023 piece.
For fans in Philadelphia, clips from Edgecombe’s time in L.A. offer a bit of reassurance as the Sixers navigate an offseason where health concerns surrounding Paul George and Joel Embiid loom ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Why this matters
– Edgecombe’s participation provides a valuable early test against NBA-caliber competition and a chance to absorb high-level decision-making, pace, and skill development.
– The gathering of veterans and younger players at the Rico Hines Runs reinforces the importance of continuous development for a young prospect on a rising team.
Additional context and value
– Rico Hines Runs are widely regarded as a practical proving ground for emerging talents to gain real-world feel for NBA speed and defensive schemes, which can accelerate a rookie’s transition to the professional level.
– Edgecombe’s exposure to players of Randle’s caliber, along with Jaquez Jr. and Beverley, could help him adapt to the pace and physicality of the league while building important connections in the broader player ecosystem.
Bottom line
Edgecombe’s Los Angeles session represents a constructive step in his rookie year, leveraging a well-known offseason platform to gauge his readiness and build momentum for summer workouts, training camp, and beyond. As the Sixers monitor the broader health landscape, this early development experience could translate into increased confidence and growth as the season approaches.