Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe has made an immediate impression after just one NBA game, drawing comparisons to a young Jimmy Butler from star teammate Paul George. Edgecombe showcased his talents during his debut against the Utah Jazz, scoring 28 points and securing 10 rebounds, demonstrating why he is a player to watch despite currently sidelined with a thumb injury.
Paul George Sees Star Potential in Edgecombe’s Early Performance
In his first outing for the Sixers, VJ Edgecombe displayed a combination of scoring ability and tenacity that caught Paul George’s attention. George praised Edgecombe’s adaptability to the NBA’s spacing and style of play during a recent episode of his podcast, highlighting his offensive and defensive contributions.
“I thought he looked good on both ends of the floor. It’s dope to see the difference between college and NBA with spacing because, you know, he was able to get to his mid-range…Like, there’s just so much space for guys when you cross over from college to the NBA. And I thought he put it all out on display. He showed flashes of stardom. And the pick and roll, that’s not something that comes naturally, especially for young guys that aren’t point guards. I saw him reading when to come off fast, kind of hesitating off of the pick and roll, getting downhill.”
—Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers Forward
George also noted a distinctive shooting move Edgecombe uses, which impressed teammates and coaches alike, and reinforced the rookie’s competitive spirit by comparing him to the Sixers’ established star:
“He’s got this little patent, one-two spin turnaround jumper…I thought he had a great showing, like enough for Philly to shut him down the rest of the summer…He’s got the dog in him. Watching him, it was like watching a young Jimmy. Moves like Jimmy, kind of, has that mid-range tenacity; he’s kind of got a lot of the Jimmy likeness to him, so he’s definitely gonna be good.”
—Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers Forward
Although Edgecombe is unlikely to participate further in the Las Vegas Summer League due to his thumb sprain, his debut has generated excitement about his promising future with the team.
Expert Analyst Highlights Edgecombe’s Athleticism and Potential
Beyond Paul George’s praise, ESPN analyst Tim McMahon also commended VJ Edgecombe’s physical gifts and performance during the Summer League. Speaking on The Hoop Collective podcast, McMahon emphasized Edgecombe’s explosive athleticism and efficient scoring.
Edgecombe, you watch him and he is just a wow athlete,
McMahon said.
The turbo button, the leaping ability. I mean, he got up 27 shots, and there weren’t a lot where you said, ‘Boy, he forced that one.’ Ten rebounds. He is a high-level athlete. I mean, he might be a top 10 athlete when he steps on the board…VJ Edgecombe is the fourth top 5 pick to have 25 25-point, 10-rebound game in Summer League since 2017. The others? Wemby, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum. No guarantees, but not bad company to be in.”
—Tim McMahon, ESPN Analyst
With a powerful combination of skill and athleticism, Edgecombe stands out among recent top draft picks and is expected to earn significant playing time under Sixers head coach Nick Nurse. His early momentum positions him as a serious candidate in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Summer League Coach Praises Edgecombe’s Basketball IQ and Team Play
Sixers Summer League coach TJ DiLeo shared his perspective on Edgecombe’s development during a recent team mini camp, expressing confidence in the rookie’s basketball intelligence and versatility.
I think, in general, he’s a smart player,
DiLeo stated.
He sees the floor well, and as you guys all know, he’s a threat to punch a gap at any time. So, defenses have to respect that. I think he can be a really good, like, pick guys, chase, stuff like that. I think we’re keeping it pretty simple for everybody right now. We want early attacks. We want all that and he’s done a tremendous job of that so far.”
—TJ DiLeo, Sixers Summer League Coach
Though still recovering, Edgecombe’s performance has proven he possesses the foundational skills and mindset to succeed in the NBA. As he regains full health, the Sixers are likely to integrate him more deeply into their rotations, reflecting his growing importance to the team’s future.