by Zach Ciavolella
The Philadelphia 76ers returned to the Xfinity Mobile Arena one last time before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. Facing the Timberwolves, the game was notably the last game before VJ Edgecombe’s NBA career truly began, and even more significant, the first NBA game to be played by Joel Embiid since Feb. 22, 2025.
The Sixers would win the game by a final score of 126-110, but the story goes beyond the score itself.
It’s not often that much can be sincerely taken away from a preseason matchup against a team devoid of its top talent, but for the Sixers, the greatest opponent was not Minnesota, but the hurdle Joel Embiid faced in his first game in nearly eight months.
Playing just under 20 minutes, Embiid looked as close to his former MVP self as he has since before his injury.
Embiid impacted every aspect of the game, scoring 14 points on five of ten shooting, including two made threes in four attempts. He also gathered seven rebounds and eight assists along with three steals, stuffing the statsheet for Philadelphia.
As important, if not more so, as Embiid’s performance is how his body reacts to this game. The Sixers’ star will take a couple of days to recover before returning to practice, where the next great test of his return lies.
Of course, Embiid was not the only Sixer to stand out in this game. Rookie VJ Edgecombe arguably stole the show, scoring 26 points in a dazzling display that showcased both his immense potential and the ways that he just might be further along than ever.
His performance left just one question.
Just how good can VJ Edgecombe become?
Taken third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, the expectation for greatness was always going to be difficult to escape for Edgecombe.
Judging by all signs through Summer League, training camp, and the preseason, the rookie is ready for any and every challenge that will come his way.
Edgecombe’s athleticism was a well-known attribute, one that would help him throughout his career, particularly in transition and defensively. Less certain was his ability to facilitate and shoot, both of which will determine whether Edgecombe ultimately becomes good or great.
He will have many more tests as he begins his NBA career, but in this particular matchup, Edgecombe showed a flash of greatness.
The grind of an NBA season and a lasting career are completely different animals, but so far, VJ Edgecombe is not only proving the Sixers right in drafting him, but also proving the 2025 NBA may have more stars than many claimed.