One NBA Eastern Conference scout believes that Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe has a chance to be a “special player,” per comments made to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
“I didn’t think VJ would be as good as he’s been,” the scout said. “Yes, there’s imperfections, but if they keep pushing him — because he can do lots of different things — he will be a special player.”
Edgecombe played one year at Baylor before the 76ers selected Edgecombe with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
He opened his pro career on Oc. 22 against the Boston Celtics with 34 points, the third-most by a rookie in his first game in NBA history.
He’s remained impressive through 15 games, averaging 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 37.3 minutes. Edgecombe is one of a few rookies having great seasons, including Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets, Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks and Derik Queen of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Edgecombe has a brigh future and high ceiling, with another Eastern Conference scout believing he can be an “All-Star-caliber player.”
“He’s smaller than I thought,” the scout said regarding the 6’4″ Edgecombe, who has drawn comparisons to the 6’2″ Donovan Mitchell and 6’3″ Victor Oladipo, per Bontemps. “But I think he can be an All-Star-caliber player, and taking that step will come down to him proving he can make shots and being a quality defender.”
Edgecombe’s success is a key reason why the 76ers, who went 24-58 last year, have improved to 9-8 this season. Philadelphia will look to stay above .500 when it visits the Brooklyn Nets on Friday evening.