Philadelphia 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe is without doubt one of the most extremely rated rookies in his draft class.
In spite of everything, the Philadelphia 76ers used the No. 3 general choose within the 2025 NBA Draft to pick out VJ Edgecombe.
Edgecombe has already proven indicators of stardom throughout his temporary appearances within the 2025 NBA Summer season League. However is the soon-to-be 20-year-old the most effective prospect in his class?
Most would say Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg is worthy of that title. Nevertheless, who might say no to a wholesome rivalry between the 2 rookies? In truth, Flagg and Edgecombe already share a ‘beef.’
There’s little doubt that rivalries play an enormous function in spiking the rankings of the NBA. Holding that in thoughts, followers have a possible Edgecombe vs Flagg rivalry to drive up the rankings sooner or later.
Talking of which, Edgecombe not too long ago addressed the supposed rivalry with Flagg and defined whether or not there’s any unhealthy blood between the 2 rookies.
“It’s a pleasant rivalry. Off the court docket, we’re shut. Like we’re shut, however on the court docket, we’re competing. We [are] each rivals.
“The explanation why he stated that, folks thought he stated it as a result of ‘Oh, he thinks I’m unhealthy or one thing’ like nah, I stepped over him,” Edgecombe revealed on Podcast P.
He added: “He was on the ground. He bought just like the final shot of the third quarter. And strolling to my bench, I noticed him on the ground, and I simply walked over him. That’s why.”
For context, the story stems from the 2 stars’ highschool careers. The hypothesis started throughout a Montverde vs Lengthy Island Lutheran matchup the place the 2 talked trash to one another.
“We all know on the finish it’s all love between me and Coop. It was humorous although, ’trigger we speak about it on a regular basis. It’s love, man,” Edgecombe acknowledged.
It’s all love between the 2 stars, and on that notice, the 76ers rookie additionally revealed what he informed his now-NBA rival throughout their viral interplay.
“He was on the ground. He shot, flopped, tried to get a foul. And I used to be like ‘bro, that ain’t no foul.’ And I simply walked over him,” he continued.
“We have been each smiling. No person was saying something. I informed him, I used to be like ‘Bro, don’t flop. I do know you gonna get the decision, however don’t flop. It appears to be like unhealthy.’ And we simply smiling about it,” the gifted rookie completed.
Whereas there’s no unhealthy blood between VJ and Cooper, their first assembly in the course of the common season has all of the elements to be a blockbuster recreation for NBA followers.