VJ Edgecombe has an unbelievable future ahead of him, but this year isn't about his ascension to superstardom; it is about doing anything possible to contribute to the Philadelphia 76ers' championship assault. As much as Sixers fans don't want to admit it, the New York Knicks have carved out the perfect versatile role for Josh Hart, which Edgecombe would be wise to follow during his second year in the league.
Edgecombe doesn't need an All-Star leap to be a success this year
Like every player in existence, Edgecombe's career will be judged by his All-Star accolades and statistical accumulation. However, championship rings are all the recognition the 21-year-old truly needs to focus on.
Edgecombe was a sensation during his first year in the league -- averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while also creating one of the coldest highlight tapes in NBA history. Despite the high expectations, Edgecombe doesn't need to continue on this trajectory to be successful next season.
Second-year prospects such as Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel are expected to elevate their game, and that will include improving each of their major stat lines. This is far from the case for Edgecombe; he is a part of a star-studded roster. LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey will take priority over him offensively, leaving his role this year shrouded in mystery.
Josh Hart's utility role would be perfect for Edgecombe
Before landing with the New York Knicks, Josh Hart was one of many players in the NBA who were still scouring for a franchise to call home. After stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Portland Trail Blazers, Hart's gritty style of play was a perfect match for the culture Tom Thibodeau was building in 'The Big Apple'.
Hart embraced a versatile role in the Knicks' rotation, and while Jalen Brunson became the star of the show, the 2026 NBA champions wouldn't have found success if it weren't for their underappreciated forward. His ability to rebound the ball, disrupt the opposition's offense, and knock down shots from deep has become critical to New York's blueprint, which is why Mike Brown refused to deviate from such a successful formula.
With all due respect, VJ Edgecombe's ceiling should be considered light-years away from the player Hart has become, but this year, the Baylor alum should aim to embrace a similar role to his Eastern Conference nemesis.
Edgecombe's improved shooting mechanics, athleticism, and impressive defensive qualities will allow him to assume multiple roles for the 76ers in the upcoming season. When Embiid and LeBron are in the same lineup, Edgecombe's energetic style of play will be required to ease the duo's physical duties.
Additionally, alongside Maxey, Brown, LeBron, and Embiid, the explosive guard must find a way to make a positive contribution on the floor while not being granted a major offensive role. Unfortunately for Edgecombe, that will most likely be the boring job of floor spacing or transition defense.
VJ Edgecombe made too much noise during his rookie year to be a utility player for the rest of his career, but for now, accepting a role identical to Josh Hart's will benefit the Philadelphia 76ers -- even if it might not do the same for his personal development.
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