VJ Edgecombe didn’t just show up on Thursday night-he made sure everyone in Xfinity Mobile Arena knew exactly why the Sixers took him third overall. The rookie guard wasted no time setting the tone against the Houston Rockets, injecting energy into a Philadelphia squad that’s been searching for a spark after a tough loss to the Suns earlier in the week.
In the opening quarter, Edgecombe delivered the kind of moment that turns heads and lights up highlight reels. Driving hard to the rim, he elevated and threw down a thunderous dunk right over Houston big man Alperen Sengun.
It wasn’t just a bucket-it was a message. The 20-year-old wasn’t backing down from anyone.
That kind of explosiveness has become Edgecombe’s calling card early in his rookie campaign. He’s got bounce that jumps off the screen, and he’s been using it to make an impact since day one. Even though the Rockets held a slim 34-32 lead after the first quarter, Edgecombe’s energy had clearly shifted the momentum.
What’s been most impressive, though, is how consistently he’s delivered. Edgecombe hasn’t just had flashes-he’s been a steady contributor in the Sixers’ rotation, earning the trust of head coach Nick Nurse right out of the gate. That’s no small feat for a rookie, especially one who logged just a single college season at Baylor before making the leap to the NBA.
There were questions coming into the season-about his readiness, about how he’d hold up over the grind of an 82-game schedule. But so far, Edgecombe has answered those with authority.
VJ Edgecombe RISE UP 😤pic.twitter.com/LcuDVXAfTu
— Sixers Nation (@SixersNationCP) January 23, 2026
His speed and fearlessness have made him a dynamic complement to Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt. Together, they’ve formed one of the most electric young guard duos in the league, capable of swinging games with their quickness, shot-making, and relentless pace.
Sure, there are still moments where Edgecombe plays like a rookie-some erratic decisions, some learning-curve turnovers-but that’s to be expected. What matters is that he’s already shown he belongs, and more importantly, that he’s only scratching the surface of what he can become.
If Thursday night was any indication, the Sixers may have found a cornerstone for their future-and a player who’s ready to make an impact right now.