The Philadelphia 76ers drafted VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick. His potential and skill set will ensure he’s seen as a potential cornerstone of the Sixers roster for years to come.
Nick Nurse must now balance contending for a championship with developing the young guard. Daryl Morey will want his latest prospect to have every opportunity to realize his potential. In truth, Edgecombe has landed in a good spot, as the Sixers are a team built around injury concerns and aging veterans.
During a recent appearance on the “Podcast P with Paul George” podcast, Edgecombe shared his excitement in joining Philadelphia.
“I’m blessed to be in this situation,” Edgecombe said. “To be on a team that has a chance to actually win the championship. You know what I’m saying? Healthy, I feel like a healthy Sixers squad, we’re going to the chip. You feel me? That’s how I feel.”
Edgecombe will likely need to fight for his minutes on the court. The Sixers have a talented guard rotation that also features Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. That type of competition should help bring the best out of the young trio, which will only mean good things for the Sixers franchise.
Paul George Knew Sixers Would Draft Edgecombe
During the same podcast episode, George revealed how the front office had let him know they intended to draft Edgecombe.
“Like they just let me know (about the workout) and we had just taken off. By the end of the workout or by the end of that day, they were like, ‘We know who we’re taking.’ And that was before the Ace Bailey stuff was going around. You know, him being linked to us. They felt strong at that point. They were like, ‘We know who we’re taking.’ Like VJ’s our guy. Great, great kid, works hard. You got the resume, the footage backs up everything. So, I knew early who we were going with.”
If George embraces a mentorship role with the rookie guard, he could receive a first-class education on how to thrive in the NBA. From what we’ve seen from the outside looking in, it certainly appears that could be the case.
George Sees Jimmy Butler in Edgecombe
In a July 10 episode of his “Podcast P” show, George likened Edgecombe’s style of play to that of Jimmy Butler.
“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.”
PG was impressed by new teammate VJ Edgecombe’s Summer League debut 👀
If Edgecombe can replicate Butler’s success in the NBA, he’ll have a long career. After all, Butler was the catalyst in the Miami Heat‘s run to the 2023 NBA Finals. Being compared to the combative forward is high praise, especially before Edgecombe has even set foot on an NBA court.
VJ Edgecombe Makes Statement on Joining Sixers