The Philadelphia 76ers announced that rookie VJ Edgecombe will wear number 77, instead of his preferred number 7, which all but confirms Kyle Lowry will return for the 2025-26 season. The veteran guard is not under contract with the 76ers, but the franchise is not letting their prize third overall draft pick take his jersey number. It sounds like they expect Lowry to be wearing it this fall.
It is a stunning decision. Lowry is a six-time All-Star and led the Raptors to a championship in 2019. He is a legend, but the 39-year-old is well past his prime. Lowry played in just 35 games last season and only got 18.8 minutes per contest. Edgecombe is a future star and a building block. The third overall pick is the type of player franchise's do everything possible to keep, so not a great start.
Edgecombe joins a crowded backcourt, and it looks like the veteran will soon be added to it. The Sixers have no minutes for Lowry and are light on roster spots. There is simply no need to bring him back, but the decision appears to be made.
Kyle Lowry's return to 76ers is all but confirmed as VJ Edgecombe takes No. 77
Edgecombe will join Luka Doncic in wearing number 77. The superstar was in a similar situation in Dallas. Dwight Powell wears number 7, so Doncic decided to make the number on his jersey two 7s. Luka has fully embraced the change, and Edgecombe might too.
Edgecombe will shake things up in Philadelphia. He is already making an impact and figures to quickly play his way into a significant role.
Philly has Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre Jr. vying for minutes on the wing. The Sixers lucked into the third overall and shouldn’t take that for granted. Edgecombe has All-Star upside, and the franchise should do whatever possible to enhance his development.
The 76ers’ draft pick will play significantly more than Lowry this season. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to move on and fully embrace Edgecombe. Instead, Lowry is likely to return and wear number 7 next season. He won’t be part of the nightly rotation, but the veteran’s wisdom and leadership will help the Sixers' young guards.
Kyle Lowry will be more Udonis Haslem than a star. It is a new role, but one he must embrace after the Sixers were unwilling to give his number to their rookie guard. Having a veteran leader helped the Heat for years. Lowry is more than capable of filling that role, but fans should still question the franchise for not giving Edgecombe his preferred number.
The Philadelphia 76ers should be building around their three young guards. They can no longer trust Joel Embiid or Paul George to stay healthy. Both stars will remain on their roster, but the build should focus on Maxey, McCain, and Edgecombe. That is the Sixers' path to returning to contention. Daryl Morey and the front office must maximize the pieces around them and consider any contributions from Embiid and PG13 icing on their cake.
Expect number 77 to excite fans. He is an impressive athlete who will throw down some monster dunks. VJ Edgecombe should be in the rotation immediately and making an impact. 76ers supporters are excited and already ordering their number 77 jerseys.