A Rookie's Evolution
VJ Edgecombe is entering his second season with the Philadelphia 76ers, and his rookie campaign already established him as a cornerstone for the franchise. The 21-year-old guard, drafted third overall in 2025, averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game last season, shooting 43.8% from the field, as reported by Newsweek.
The 76ers have undergone a significant roster overhaul this offseason, adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to a core that already includes Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. For Edgecombe, the new additions present both an opportunity and a potential adjustment, with questions about how his role might shift alongside so much talent.
A Positive Outlook Amid Change
At his youth basketball camp at the Alan Horwitz 'Sixth Man' Center on Saturday, Edgecombe was upbeat and engaged, interacting with campers and participating in drills, as detailed by The Philadelphia Inquirer. When asked about the possibility of a reduced role, he dismissed concerns with characteristic optimism.
"It don't matter what happens, there's always going to be someone that has something to say," Edgecombe said, as quoted by The Philadelphia Inquirer. "But I just want to win. I'm going to still be aggressive, still be myself. If that comes with less shots or more shots, who knows. I don't know how the course of the game is going to go. I'm just excited to play alongside my teammates. I think we have a chance to do something really special."
His comments come amid chatter that his development might stall with the arrival of two more All-Stars, but Edgecombe appears unfazed. He averaged 16 points on 13.7 shot attempts last season, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Learning from the Best
Edgecombe has been vocal about his admiration for his new teammates. He told Newsweek that Brown and James are "great persons and down to earth" and "humble men," and he admitted feeling "starstruck" when he first met James—a feeling that hasn't faded.
"I'm learning. That's the main thing for me, just learning and getting to know them," Edgecombe said, as quoted by Newsweek.
His enthusiasm extends beyond casual conversation. Edgecombe posted a recreation of one of James' iconic memes with the caption "Smiling through it all, can't believe this is my life," as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer. He also told ESPN, via The Philadelphia Inquirer, that he's spending the summer getting up as many shots as possible, anticipating open jumpers with the talent around him.
"It's fine if they don't respect me, I'll just get a bunch of open shots," Edgecombe said. "I'm just working. That's the main thing for me."
He shot 35.4% from three-point range last season, per The Philadelphia Inquirer, and knows defenses will need to respect his shot to open up the floor for his star teammates.
Starstruck but Focused
The face-to-face moments with James have been memorable. Edgecombe said he was starstruck when James first FaceTimed him, and he still has to control himself when asking questions.
"I have a bunch of questions, so I'm going to have to control myself," Edgecombe said, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The 76ers have also hired assistant coach Phil Handy, a veteran with deep ties to James, which The Philadelphia Inquirer noted as part of the team's effort to integrate the new additions.
Recently, Brown, James, and Maxey appeared in photos and videos from their first gym workout together, signaling the start of what could be a promising season in Philadelphia.
A Future Bright with Possibilities
Newsweek described Edgecombe as a "legitimate future NBA star" and noted that having two players who have won NBA Finals MVP and championships should benefit his growth. The young guard seems ready to soak up everything his new teammates offer.
For Edgecombe, the focus is simple: win, work, and be himself. Whether that means more or fewer shots, he appears ready for whatever comes his way, eager to contribute to a team with championship aspirations.