VJ Edgecombe is highly touted out of Baylor University, and teammate Paul George believes the third overall pick can help the Philadelphia 76ers as soon as next season.
Edgecombe was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals on 34% shooting from 3-point range. He finished in double figures 27 times, including a season-high 30 points on Jan. 22 in a win over Kansas State.
The soon-to-be 20-year-old was one of the most athletic players in the draft and an offensive force when he got downhill. George told Edgecombe on “Podcast P” that he likes his overall skill set and what he can offer the Sixers on the court.
“You bring what we need,” George said. “We need more defenders. We need the athleticism. We need the flyers. We want to play that fast, uptempo style of basketball, so we need that youth, and I think you’re ready. You’re play-now, ready-now basketball. You’re going to fit right in with what we’re doing.”
Edgecombe debuted with the Sixers in the NBA Summer League, averaging 21.5 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and 1.5 blocks on 42.5% shooting from the field. He was limited to two appearances due to a left thumb sprain.
The 6-foot-5 guard is eager to get to work with George and the rest of the Sixers in practice. In his first taste of action, he noticed that the additional spacing and faster pace of play suited his ability well, which would help him contribute at a high level.
Edgecombe has the potential to play a large role with the Sixers next season as a player who can contribute on both sides of the ball. George wants him to come in and play to his strengths and style once training camp opens in September.
“As a rookie, don’t come in on some, ‘I just want to fit in,'” George said. “Bring what you do. Be you. We’re going to adapt to you. This will be 16 years for me, we’ve been in this (expletive) for a long time, but we love when (expletive) come in and they’re themselves because now we can coach you on you trying to be a better you; not trying to coach you to be something that you ain’t. Just come in and be you.”