April 4, 2026, 4:49 p.m. ET
PHILADELPHIA — It’s obvious that Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe is no ordinary rookie. The No. 3 overall pick has made a big impact on the floor without scoring the ball on a nightly basis and is continuing to be a big part of a team that has championship aspirations.
On the season, Edgecombe is averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 70 games thus far and has impressed everybody he has come across. Not only has he put up big scoring numbers, but he has also been consistently finding ways to contribute in a positive way and giving the Sixers a young player they can produce in different areas.
Before Friday’s contest with the Minnesota Timberwolves, coach Chris Finch was asked about Edgecombe and gave his thoughts on the 20 year old rookie.
“I like his fearlessness,” Finch started. “He seems to be kind of unaffected by his first year in the league. He feels like he’s been here for a couple years already. He’s gonna have any normal up and downs that any rookie or young player will have, but it don’t seem to bother him. He’s got a ton of confidence and he knows who he is.”
Edgecombe only had eight points on 4-for-9 shooting against the Timberwolves, but he had three assists and two steals while playing tough defense against their ball-handlers. There is so much he brings to the floor and the Sixers are better for it. He just plays his game.
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“He’s got a game that is pretty simple, and I don’t mean that in any type of demeaning way, I just feel like he sticks with who he is every single night,” Finch finished. “Some nights it’s really good and some nights it’s still on the learning curve, but that all points to massive growth year on year.”