Jan. 10, 2026, 12:16 a.m. ET
ORLANDO, Fla. — VJ Edgecombe has emerged as a significant contributor this season for the Philadelphia 76ers, and his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by teammate Paul George.
Edgecombe is averaging 16.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 37.4% from 3-point range in 32 appearances. He is third among all rookies in scoring and is one of five first-year players to score at least 30 points in a game this season.
The 19-year-old has started every game for coach Nick Nurse, forming a lethal backcourt duo with Tyrese Maxey. He impacts games in various ways and is constantly commended for his poise and steadiness, which has stood out to George.
He is doing it all. A lot has been thrown at him, and he has been producing. He has been clutch in big moments. He has made big plays after big plays, both offensively and defensively. He is definitely a guy that isn’t afraid of the moment. His maturity is way ahead of his age. It is fun to watch when a kid that young gets it and understands it early. You look at leadership, and from a veteran’s standpoint, it is just my job to kind of help make it easier for him. He is special. He is very special.
Edgecombe helped the Sixers to a 103-91 victory over the Magic on Friday, recording six points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. He had previously scored at least 10 points in 14 straight games, the fourth-longest streak by a rookie this season.
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The third pick is affecting games at a high level, leading the league in loose-balls recovered (44) and ranking eighth among rookies in contested shots (146). He is also one of three rookies to score at least 20 points in four straight games this season.
Edgecombe has been a seamless fit with the Sixers and is improving at a rapid pace. He has performed to expectations, and the team is eager to watch his continued development.
“I think the single biggest thing (I like) is he does a little bit of everything, but his composure and maturity for a young player are really way up there,” Nurse said. “He just really handles all situations really, really well, like a guy that has been in the league for 10 years or something, which is super interesting to see, but it is also really good to see for our team.”