Sixers

76ers Guard V.J. Edgecombe Meets Moments, Exceeds All Expectations in Rookie Season

Matt Gregan photo
By
Matt Gregan
Author photo
Matt Gregan Sports Editor

All posts by Matt Gregan
Sports Editor

Published26 Dec 2025

Disclosure
We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
V.J. Edgecombe 12/12/2025

When the Philadelphia 76ers selected V.J. Edgecombe with the No. 3 overall pick, nobody could have imagined the type of impact and production he would have as a rookie. The 20-year old has exceeded all expectations in the midst of a season in which he has consistently met every challenge.

It took no time at all for Edgecombe to make his mark in Philadelphia. He made a resounding statement in his NBA debut, scoring 34 points and grabbing seven rebounds in a win over the Boston Celtics in the regular season opener.

One of the knocks on Edgecombe coming into the draft was his lack of consistent outside shooting. In his lone season at Baylor, Edgecombe shot 34.0% from 3-point range on 4.6 attempts per game. He responded by putting in a ton of time at the gym and making a few tweaks to his shot. The results have been easy to see. Edgecombe is shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc on a healthy 5.5 attempts per game. He already has seven games this season in which he knocked down three or more shots from long distance.

Edgecombe’s improved outside shooting has been one of the key reasons behind his strong start to his rookie season. Through 24 games, the Bahamian native is averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest. His numbers, while impressive, are only scratching the surface of his impact this season.

The Sixers have battled through a ton of close games so far this season, giving players like Edgecombe chances to prove themselves in clutch situations. After the opening few months of the season, Edgecombe has proven he has the ability to show up in the clutch time and time again. He is averaging 3.9 points while shooting 44.3% from the field and 42.3% from 3-point range in the fourth quarters of games this season.

Edgecombe’s last two games, wins against the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, have put on display his ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor in clutch moments. The rookie put the Sixers on his back in the final four minutes against the Knicks, making one huge play after another to help Philadelphia come out on top. He knocked down a tough mid-range pull-up jumper and a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer on consecutive possessions. What followed just over a minute later was even more impressive. With the Sixers up by six points and under two minutes remaining, Edgecombe crashed into the paint to make an emphatic put-back slam off a missed Tyrese Maxey floater. On the following possession, Edgecombe dove on the floor to recover a loose ball and generate an extra possession which eventually led to a Maxey 3-pointer.

Edgecombe’s late-game clutch play should not overshadow his excellent defensive performance against New York. He had the assignment for much of the game of covering Knicks’ superstar guard Jalen Brunson. Edgecombe held Brunson to just 1-of-10 shooting on plays where he was the primary defender. It was a masterclass defensive showing from a player who does not even have half a season of NBA experience.

In the game against Dallas one night later, Edgecombe carried his strong play from New York back home to Philadelphia. He totaled 26 points, six rebounds and four assists. In a battle between two of the league’s top rookies, Edgecombe shined while leading the Sixers to a 121-114 victory. His top-tier defense again stood out, particularly in this possession against Cooper Flagg midway through the fourth quarter.

Edgecombe has consistently, through his scoring and defensive impact, found ways to help the Sixers win throughout his rookie season. He has met and exceeded every challenge presented to him since being drafted by Philadelphia. In just a few short months, Edgecombe proved to be a key piece of the Sixers’ roster.