With a standout performance in general across his first 10 games, suffice to say that VJ Edgecombe has taken the league by storm. He has almost singlehandedly secured the future of the Philadelphia 76ers as a franchise, bring a storng sense of security as to the team’s ability to potentially contend for the foreseeable future.
So far, Edgecombe has been head and shoulders above his contemporaries in this year’s draft. He leads all rookies in assists per game while being a close second in scoring behind Kon Knueppel, and his defensive activity has likewise been impressive. He has looked so mature for his age, and his approach to the game has caught the attention of many, 76ers fan or not.
Even head coaches from other teams have noticed the early impact of Edgecombe. After their victory on Sunday night, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff was asked about his thoughts on the standout rookie, to which he responded by comparing him to a young Derrick Rose.
Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff on what stands out about Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe:
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) November 9, 2025
“The speed, and just how dynamic he is… He reminds me of Derrick Rose when Derrick Rose was young.”
VJ Edgecombe gets high praise from Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff
Edgecombe has cooled off a bit after a very electric start to the season, but his activity has not wavered. even though he has struggled with his shot in the last few games, he has not hesitated to take some momentum-swinging shots, exhibiting his fearless character and sheer confidence as a scorer.
Rose, a former league MVP, did not exactly have the kind of career you would expect from someone who has clinched the coveted plum, but he was indeed a hell of a player during his heyday. As young as he was, he managed to lead the Chicago Bulls to contender status in the early 2010s.
Edgecombe is not yet tasked to assume that kind of role, but he definitely has the stylings and makings to be someone who can do the heavy lifting for the team soon. He is very confident in his skin and is not easily deterred by the ups and downs, the flows and ebbs of the game.
Of course, there are still some areas where he can improve at. He is still a bit unpolished on offense despite his clear skill as a scorer, and he sometimes gets stuck in traffic, but those are things that easily come along with experience.
For now, Edgecombe is doing what the 76ers need from him and then some. Really, there is no reason not to be impressed by what he has brought to the table despite him still acclimating to the league.