CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers are excited about No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe as he brings a lot of skills to the table that this team is in need of. He plays with breakneck speed, is aggressive with the ball in his hands, is athletic as ever, and is somebody who can make plays on the defensive end as well.
As Edgecombe prepares for his maiden season in the league, he is joining a team that has a lot of veterans he can lean on such as Kyle Lowry, Tyrese Maxey, and most importantly, Eric Gordon.
Gordon and Edgecombe played together on the Bahamian national team so Philadelphia’s elder statesman was able to get a close look at the eventual No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft. An excellent shooter throughout his career, Gordon knows that if Edgecombe can add that aspect to his offensive game, then he is going to be tough to stop.
“Everybody knows he’s an outstanding athlete,” Gordon said of Edgecombe. “Like, you’ll see it. I mean, he’s one of the athletically gifted players in our game right now, and he’ll showcase that, but for me, it’s all the little things. Shooting, because I really do—when he starts really knocking down that shot, it’s going to open up doors for him to get in the lane as much as he wants.”
A career 37.2% shooter from deep, Gordon knew early on when he entered the NBA that he needed to be able to incorporate that jumper into his game. Especially, in the later part of his career when his athleticism diminishes. The same has to be for Edgecombe. The rookie shot 34% from deep at Baylor in 2024-25, but then shot 2-for-12 from deep in the summer league so that’s something Gordon will preach to him.
“Early on in my career, I was very athletic going to the lane, but I’ve always been able to shoot,” Gordon continued. “As I got older, I shot the ball a lot more. Like, with him, it’s always good to see a couple of good shots go in the game, because athletically, he’s gonna be a problem.”
Gordon was limited to only 39 games in his first season with the Sixers in 2024-25, but he did end up shooting 40.9% from deep in those games. As he prepares for the upcoming season, he knows he is in more of a mentor phase which is going to benefit somebody like Edgecombe moving forward, but Gordon is looking to be productive on the floor as well.
“At my age, in my phase in my career, you have to mentor,” Gordon finished. “Like, that’s without a doubt. I’ve been around VJ the most. I’ve known for quite a while, and of course, I’m going to be looking forward to helping not just him, but all the young guys, looking forward, but when I’m in the game, I have to do my part. Knock down shots, spread the floor, let guys operate on their own, but when I’m out there, I gotta knock down shots, and I gotta look forward to making things happen.”
The Sixers will continue the preseason on Friday when they play host to the Orlando Magic.