Peanut butter and jelly, chocolate and milk, mac and cheese -- all ingredients that go together to create a perfect blend of tastes that a person cannot live without. VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey slip straight into that discussion, only they are much less edible. The young rookie has brought hustle, athleticism, and aggression that seemingly create a space for Maxey to thrive as the Philadelphia 76ers' main option.
Philadelphia have had some spectacular partnerships in the past that created a sense of hope throughout its fanbase, most recently Joel Embiid and James Harden, but no one could have anticipated the devastation this duo could unleash on the franchise's opponents.
Edgecombe elevates Maxey to new heights
Maxey's levels of talent have been undeniable for the previous two campaigns; the trajectory of his career has been on an upward trend since Harden made the tumultuous move to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023. However, the question always remained: could the young star escape from Embiid's shadow?
That was a question that could not be answered after the 76ers' woeful 2024-25 season, which saw the Eastern Conference franchise fall to a disastrous 24-58 record. Unfortunately for Maxey, his struggles as the leading offensive option for the Sixers did little to help his cause.
Nevertheless, the chaotic campaign was worth the pain endured as VJ Edgecombe's selection with Philadelphia's third overall pick in the NBA draft has provided Maxey with a new lease of life and has elevated his performances to an MVP level.
Edgecombe has caused a stir since entering the NBA with a string of scintillating performances. The 20-year-old has averaged 15.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists throughout his rookie year. Not only do the statistics help to show the phenomenal attributes that the versatile guard has at his disposal, but the manner of his displays is what has truly stolen the hearts of the Sixers' fan base.
One thing that Philadelphia supporters require more than anything is a player who is going to wear his heart on his sleeve and exhaust himself during the minutes that he features in the rotation -- Edgecombe does exactly this.
His constant off-ball movement and aggressive cuts to the basket have allowed Maxey to showcase his keen eye for playmaking, an ability he was not renowned for before the campaign commenced. Yet, Maxey is now recording a career-high assist total on the year (7.8 per game). This is far from a coincidence.
The Philadelphia 76ers' selection of the VJ Edgecombe in the 2025 NBA draft process has been a stroke of genius for many reason, but the fact that the Baylor graduate has been a vital factor in Tyrese Maxey's development into a potential MVP winner is the biggest compliment of all.