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VJ Edgecombe Already Plans on Being a Sixer Forever
By Sean Barnard
Published:
It may not be possible to get off to a better start to your NBA career than what VJ Edgecombe has done here in Philadelphia. Through his first four games, in which the Sixers are 4-0, the third-overall pick is averaging 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 47.1% from the floor and 42.9% from beyond the three-point arc.
He’s been vital in establishing this new culture and energy around the team, which is rapidly shaping up to be among the most fun in the NBA. There is a level of athleticism, competitiveness, and resilience that has been absent on the roster for several years. The Sixers look to have their backcourt for the next decade, and the rookie is on the same page with this game plan.
During a recent episode of New Moves with Xfinity on Whistle Sports, Edgecombe filmed a five minute video with last year’s first-round pick Jared McCain, as the pair discussed their past and how they have settled into Philadelphia. Edgecombe has not been shy to lay it on thick regarding his excitement for his new hometown going as far as saying:
“I’m definitely looking forward to settling down in Philly for the rest of my career. Don’t want to go nowhere else. Become a local and enjoy the city, enjoy the fans, and win some championships.”
This has been a message he shared from the second he got drafted. During his interview following the selection, Edgecombe let his emotions fly, speaking about living off a generator growing up and when referencing Tyrese Maxey he stated, “He’s a great guy. That’s someone I’m also looking forward to learning from. You know that’ll be my backcourt mate man so hopefully we can retire together.” –
I’ll admit when watching this live it felt a bit like someone dropping an “I love you” on the first date. But he possesses an infectious personality and confidence with the skills to match this.
The early return in what is being coined the “VJ Maxx” backcourt could not be more promising. The Sixers are scoring 130.1 points per 100 possessions with both Maxey and Edgecombe on the floor. Maxey leads the team with 150 points and 33 assists through the opening four games with Edgecombe second in both categories with 89 points and 22 assists. These two individually have scored 46.2% of the Sixers’ total points on the season.
This also goes without even bringing up McCain and Quentin Grimes. McCain was on the pathway to running away with Rookie of the Year last season before getting injured and averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds across his 25.7 minutes per game in 23 matchups. The Duke product recently got his cast removed for the torn UCL issue he suffered leading into this season and should be returning to the floor in the short-term.
Grimes also deserves a ton of credit for buying back in after contract talks dragged through the offseason. He’s averaging 17.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists through the first four games. Grimes hit the go ahead three-pointer with 15 seconds remaining against the Hornets and hit two three-pointers in the final two minutes of play to help push the game to overtime against the Wizards. He’s played impactful defense and has shown no semblance of frustration after failing to reach a long-term contract agreement this offseason and being forced to play on the one-year qualifying offer.
The 4-0 start is as great as the Sixers could hope for, and the identity they’re forming is even more encouraging. There are still questions of Joel Embiid’s health outlook, what Paul George has left in the tank, and plenty more. But for an organization that has been overly dependent on veterans in years past and paid the price for it, this injection of youthful energy was necessary and the early success is already being shown.
The Edgecombe era is just beginning in Philadelphia, but the honeymoon period has been as great as it possibly could be. Also, just checking in, but through his first three games with the Utah Jazz, Ace Baily has played just 47 total minutes and produced just eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists while shooting 3-for-19 from the field. It isn’t time to run victory laps yet, but the universe feels to be looking out for the Sixers in a way that has not been the case for the past decade.
Sean Barnard has covered the Philadelphia 76ers and general Philly Sports for over six years in a variety of roles and for multiple outlets. Currently works as a Content Writer for DraftKings Network, Sixers/NBA Insider for Philadelphia's Fox Sports the Gambler, and co-host of Sixers & Phillies Digest on Youtube. Forever Trusting the Process.