76ers are making a VJ Edgecombe realization they should have known all along

When drafting VJ Edgecombe, the Philadelphia 76ers knew they were acquiring a wildly athletic player with boundless energy. The scoring potential was always obvious, but what the front office could not have predicted was the defensive leap Edgecombe would take during his rookie campaign. Now, these attributes may become as vital during key matchups as his contribution on offense.

Given that there was much debate surrounding which player the Sixers should utilise their third overall pick on during the 2025 NBA draft, general manager Daryl Morey knocked this one out of the park. Edgecombe has exceeded expectations throughout his short career so far. The 20-year-old has averaged 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, while racking up a ridiculous reel of highlight dunks in the process.

His devastating partnership with the ever-improving Tyrese Maxey has proved to be impossible to contain for many opposition defences so far. As shown in the 76ers' most recent 130-119 victory over the New York Knicks, the duo works in tandem to exploit a weak spot in a rival's defense and exhaust the opponent into giving up countless points inside -- in this case, it was Jalen Brunson who suffered from the pair's wrath.

However, despite all of the fruit that Edgecombe's offense is bearing so far, it will be his work in protecting his own basket that will be the more vital component if Philadelphia wishes to attain postseason success.

Resilient Edgecombe could be the difference maker

From a physical perspective, Edgecombe has all the characteristics to be an elite defensive presence. Although if history has proven anything, this statement has no relevance if a player's mental fortitude is not up to scratch -- ask former Sixers center Mo Bamba. Nevertheless, Edgecombe has proven that this is far from an issue.

Edgecombe has already faced some of the most explosive guards in the entire NBA and proven that he fears no one. On the two occasions that the rookie has faced Brunson, he has limited the Knicks' star player's effectiveness -- holding him to just 22 points during their first matchup on December 19.

Even though Brunson may have recorded 31 points in their most recent matchup, Edgecombe was still able to put his opponent under endless pressure. The athletic guard forced Brunson into just 10-21 from the floor, and his persistent efforts on the perimeter restricted the two-time All-Star to just four shots from deep.

If the Philadelphia fan base ever needed evidence that displayed Edgecombe's outstanding defensive ability on the perimeter, it came with around nine minutes left on the clock in Madison Square Garden. The Baylor graduate was in full throttle as he blocked a three-point attempt from Mikael Bridges in the corner, then turned on the afterburners to go coast-to-coast to throw down an emphatic dunk.

VJ Edgecombe may be an incredible offensive threat for the Philadelphia 76ers, yet his role on defense could prove to be more important when it comes to postseason success. Matchups are pivotal in a franchise's chances of winning a championship. If this is the goal for the Sixers, then the rookie's knack for locking up star guards will be vital.