VJ Edgecombe Is Turning Heads in Philly - and Around the League
Through the first 36 games of his NBA career, VJ Edgecombe is doing more than just holding his own-he’s becoming a legitimate difference-maker for a Sixers team with real postseason ambitions. Averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 42.9% from the field and a sharp 38.2% from three, the rookie is showing a level of polish and poise that’s rare this early in a player’s journey.
What makes Edgecombe’s emergence even more impressive is the context. He wasn’t drafted to be the face of a rebuilding project.
He landed in Philadelphia with the expectation of contributing right away to a team built to win now. That’s a unique challenge for any rookie-playing meaningful minutes on a contender, with the pressure to perform baked in from day one.
So far, Edgecombe hasn’t just met those expectations-he’s exceeded them.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson took notice before his team faced the Sixers, offering high praise for the young guard. “Really impressed,” Atkinson said.
“Poise-what did my son tell me? He said he looked like a young Anthony Edwards.
Like, his body. I think that’s been out there before, but yeah.
Just how he’s built, how he moves, that’s important. Then, obviously, not afraid to take big shots, make big shots, so (the) Sixers found themselves one there.”
That comparison to Anthony Edwards may raise eyebrows, but it’s not just about physical tools-it’s about presence. Edgecombe carries himself like a player who belongs, who’s not afraid of the moment. Whether it’s spacing the floor, attacking closeouts, or stepping into a big shot late in the game, he’s showing the kind of confidence that coaches love and teammates trust.
Sure, there have been the usual rookie bumps-adjusting to the speed of the game, learning defensive rotations, and managing the grind of an 82-game season-but Edgecombe’s demeanor hasn’t wavered. He plays with a steadiness that suggests he’s in it for the long haul, not just the highlight reel.
What stands out most is how seamlessly he’s fit into a team with veteran stars and playoff expectations. Edgecombe isn’t just putting up numbers-he’s helping the Sixers win games.
That’s not always the case with rookies, even the highly drafted ones. And when end-of-season awards talk heats up, don’t be surprised if his name is firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
The Sixers may not have drafted Edgecombe to carry the franchise, but they’ve found something special-a young player who’s already proving he can thrive under the bright lights. As the season rolls on and the stakes get higher, all signs point to Edgecombe being ready for the moment. His story is just beginning, but it’s already one worth watching.