March 24, 2026, 7:17 p.m. ET

CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers found a way to stay afloat while Paul George was sidelined for 25 games due to violating the league’s anti-drug policy. The Sixers went 13-12 over the span despite not having Joel Embiid for big stretches and Tyrese Maxey recently going down with a finger tendon strain.

A major reason for that was the play of rookie guard VJ Edgecombe. The No. 3 overall pick certainly had his ups and downs as he dealt with much more attention from the opposition as he shot up the scouting report, but he still averaged 17.8 points and 6.3 rebounds along with 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 22 of those 25 games. He scored 38 in a March 19 win over the Sacramento Kings and then 35 in a loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

As George was sidelined, the 9-time All-Star was able to be active in practices and shootarounds and he would take Edgecombe under his wing often as he taught him moves off the dribble and how to get to the mid-range. George will return on Wednesday, but was impressed with what the rookie guard was able to do.

“I think for VJ, it’s just, you know, I’ve been trying to just help him develop with slowing the game down, picking and choosing spots, and just being at peace with his game being under control,” George said on Tuesday. “So, over the past 25 games, especially the past seven, eight games, it just looks like the game is starting to slow down for him. He’s starting to see things differently. He’s getting to his spots. He’s raising up, playing comfortable in the mid-range area, which we’ve worked a ton on, and so I see it.”

Now in his 15th season, George is enjoying being a mentor of sorts. Especially, to younger players like Edgecombe. He has a wealth of NBA knowledge to share with the youngsters and he appreciates players who will work hard. Edgecombe is the definition of that as George looks to take on the mentor role while also finding ways to contribute himself.

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“It’s fun for me to watch his process right now, because a lot of stuff that we’ve been working on, he’s starting to pick it up, and it’s starting to be like second nature,” George explained. “He’s just such a phenomenal athlete. I’m trying to incorporate how to use his athleticism as well as his patience and seeing things differently. So, it’s been fun to watch.”

When George returns to the floor on Wednesday, defenses will have to pay attention to him. Therefore, it will free up Edgecombe to have some more freedom on the floor. The 15-year veteran out of Fresno State will look to enhance his game and help the Sixers make a push until Maxey and Embiid can return.

“When I come back, just to piggyback on it, continue to tag on it, and for now, the work that we’ve been doing for him to see it live and live action,” George finished. “He’s excited for me to come back, and I’m excited to play out there with him.”