Jan. 17, 2026, 1:10 p.m. ET
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe has been impressive through the first 36 games of his career. He’s averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 42.9% from the floor and 38.2% from deep.
When the end-of-season rewards come into play, Edgecombe will certainly be in the mix for Rookie of the Year as he has been one of the top rookies in the league all throughout the season. On top of that, he is producing for a team with title aspirations.
Normally, when a player is picked as high as Edgecombe was, that player is normally counted on to be a foundational piece and lead a revival of a franchise. Not in this case with the Sixers, and that can be a lot of some rookies to handle.
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson gave his respect to Edgecombe for what he has done on the floor thus far.
“Really impressed,” said Atkinson on Friday before the Cavs knocked off the Sixers. “Poise–what did my son tell me? He said he looked like a young Anthony Edwards. Like, his body. I think that’s been out there before, but yeah. Just how he’s built, how he moves, that’s important. Then, obviously, not afraid to take big shots, make big shots, so (the) Sixers found themselves one there.”
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Edgecombe has gone through the usual rookie ups and downs, but for the most part, he has remained steady and is looking to help the Sixers contend when the playoffs roll around. He has all the skills needed to succeed and he has the mental makeup to make it all happen for himself. It will be interesting to see his career path as time goes on.