VJ Edgecombe has had a sensational rookie season, and he has more than lived up to the expectations levied on him the moment he was drafted third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, what people ought to remember is that he was not always the consensus choice for the team at that time.
That is more so the case when you take into account the fact that Edgecombe himself was not even sure if the 76ers were impressed enough with his pre-draft workout. In a recent appearance on the Club 520 Podcast, the rookie star revealed that he was anxious whether the team would go with him after a rather shaky start to his workout.
“I went to work out, and I’ll be honest: I only worked out for one team. took my chance—I ain’t gonna lie. That was Philly. I only worked out for Philly. I went there and, damn, I ain’t gonna lie, I shot like four air-balls. I was nervous as hell. But after that, I was like, ‘Man, they draft me or not, it’s whatever at this point.’I wasn’t even trying to trip about it. ut yeah, bro, I ain’t gonna lie—I’ve never been so nervous. You got the owners, you got everybody on the baseline and the sideline just watching you. It’s your workout—only you in there with the coaches.”
76ers rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe bares what how he fared in his pre-draft workout
At that juncture, it was widely believed that the 76ers were basically picking between Edgecombe and Rutgers standout Ace Bailey. That made it all the more justified for the former to feel uncertain about his chances of landing in Philly, the only team has worked out for.
However, thanks to Bailey’s camp — who went the extra mile to ensure that he will not be playing in Philadelphia — the 76ers’ decision to draft Edgecombe at No. 3 became a pretty easy choice come draft night. He was the best player available after the first two consensus prospects got by them.
Turns out, there was never really any serious doubts about Edgecombe’s staying power in Philly. The team quickly entrenched him in their starting lineup, handing him a prominent role right from the get-go. He is now one of the most vital pieces on the team, and his stature as a future centerpiece for the franchise is rock-solid.
Edgecombe is arguably still in the running for Rookie of the Year and a virtual lock for All-Rookie First Team. His skill has branched out to various departments, and his score-first profile has quickly evolved into an all-around package. His three-point shot and passing were significant concerns heading into his rookie year, but he made a swift development on those areas.
There is no rookie in his class with more leap and bounce than Edgecombe. That alone gives him a solid edge above most. Having said that, his mentality and willingness to actively engage in the less glamorous end of the court will take him places given that his offensive game is already in the upper echelon.
Now, Edgecombe can only laugh those four straight air-balls off.