V.J. Edgecombe enters the NBA as probably the most promising rookies from the 2025 Draft class.
The Philadelphia 76ers chosen him third total after his productive Baylor profession that featured 15 factors, 5.6 rebounds, and three.2 assists per sport.
Pleasure surrounds V.J. Edgecombe’s rookie season, with expectations of fast vital enjoying time.
The 76ers’ harm scenario with Paul George and Joel Embiid creates alternative for expanded rookie obligations.
Edgecombe demonstrated his potential throughout Summer season League play, together with a double-double efficiency in opposition to the Utah Jazz.
His confidence stems partly from pre-draft recommendation he obtained from veteran capturing guard Klay Thompson.
Edgecombe revealed Thompson’s recommendation centered on having fun with the draft expertise quite than speeding towards future achievements.
The four-time champion emphasised persistence and appreciation for profession milestones.
“The primary factor he instructed me is ‘benefit from the journey’. He’s like ‘you gonna win championships and all that, however the draft night time and all that, it’s going to be one of the best time, you solely do that when’,” Edgecombe defined.
Thompson’s message was primarily based on his personal expertise as a champion and his data of how shortly careers can change.
The skilled guard stated that it’s vital to take pleasure in particular moments like draft night time.
“He gained a hoop 4 instances, however he’s identical to ‘benefit from the journey, keep within the fitness center and benefit from the journey’,” Edgecombe added, highlighting Thompson’s emphasis on each onerous work and appreciation.
Edgecombe’s perimeter capturing requires continued improvement regardless of his place as a capturing guard. He linked on 34% of three-point makes an attempt throughout his faculty profession at Baylor.
His Summer season League efficiency confirmed inconsistent capturing outcomes, with good and poor nights from past the arc.
The fluctuation signifies potential for enchancment by means of correct improvement and repetition. Edgecombe might ask Thompson for recommendation on this regard as soon as once more.
Edgecombe additionally recognized Buddy Hield as a mentor determine who might help his improvement. Hield now performs for Thompson’s former staff the Golden State Warriors, creating connections between confirmed shooters.
Edgecombe possesses the bodily instruments and basketball instincts that complement potential capturing enchancment.
His athleticism, explosiveness, and velocity create benefits that reach past perimeter capturing.
The rookie additionally demonstrated defensive consciousness and basketball IQ that counsel well-rounded improvement potential.
Philadelphia would profit considerably if Edgecombe efficiently improves his three-point consistency. His athletic items mixed with dependable capturing would create a harmful two-way participant.
And Philadelphia’s scenario aligns completely with Edgecombe’s improvement timeline. The rookie can develop into his function whereas the 76ers handle their veteran stars’ return to full well being.
